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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies
Published on: April 29, 2013
Cutaneous nerve elimination following punch biopsy
P B Thompson1, J E Fitzpatrick
1Dermatology Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado.
Cutis
|July 1, 1989
Summary
A rare case of cutaneous nerve extrusion after a skin biopsy was successfully treated by cutting the nerve. This finding highlights a potential complication of minor dermatologic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Skin biopsies are common dermatologic procedures.
- Complications, though rare, can occur.
- Nerve-related sequelae are infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A patient developed a thin, white strand at a healed punch biopsy site.
- This strand caused sharp, lancinating pain.
- The strand was suspected to be an extruded cutaneous nerve.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of cutaneous nerve extrusion post-biopsy.
- The extruded nerve caused neuropathic pain symptoms.
- Successful treatment involved simple nerve transection.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider nerve extrusion as a rare complication of punch biopsies.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can resolve pain.
- Further investigation into nerve behavior after biopsy is warranted.
