The invention relates to an automatic device for performing skin biopsies, comprising a casing (2) housing a rod (3) on the distal end (3a) of which there is a circular blade (4), and means for causing simultaneous rotation and longitudinal advancement of the rod (3) from a first retracted position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) does not project via the distal end (2a) of the casing (2), to a second extended position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) projects via the distal end (2a) of the casing, followed by simultaneous rotation and longitudinal retraction of said rod (3) from said second extended position to said first retracted position.