The word “biopsy” is one of those worrisome words that people often associate with cancer. While it’s true that your dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy if a growth on your skin might be skin cancer, this medical procedure helps dermatologists diagnose many different skin conditions. If your dermatologist thinks you need a skin biopsy, they can perform this procedure during an office visit while you remain awake. During a skin biopsy, your dermatologist removes a small amount of skin, which will be looked at under a microscope. This magnified view is the only way to diagnose some skin diseases, including skin cancer, infections, and conditions that cause blisters. A skin biopsy may also be used to find out what’s causing a rash.