title: Novel uses of skin biopsy punches in dermatosurgery.
abstract: The skin punch or surgical punch is an instrument which is used almost exclusively by dermatologists. It is a circular hollow blade attached to a pencil-like handle ranging in size from 0.5 to 10 mm. It is available as a disposable, reusable, and automated instrument. The punch can be used as a diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic tool in dermatology. We have used punch as a diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic tool in our dermatosurgery practice in our hospital. Various original research articles, text book publications, and review articles were studied and compiled. Techniques used by various authors and our own experiences with punch have been described. This article aims at providing the novel usefulness of skin biopsy punch in dermatology as the basic punch surgery is quick and easy to learn. Complications such as bleeding and infection are minimal.
authors: Medinova Skin Care and Newlook Skin and Laser Clinic, Bangalore, India.
authors: Deepak S
authors: DS
authors: Hurkudli
authors: Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Sacchidanand
authors: S
authors: Sarvajnamurthy
authors: Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Shwetha
authors: S
authors: Suryanarayan
authors: Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Vishal S
authors: VS
authors: Chugh
keywords: Biopsy; nail biopsy; punch excision; skin biopsy