A mole is a group of pigmented cells in the form of brown or black dots on the skin. If you have a mole that you want to remove, the safest and most effective way to do this is to consult a doctor for professional removal. This procedure is a simple outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes. Trying to remove a mole yourself can result in a scar that will look worse than the wound after a professional mole removal. If you really don't want to have surgery, try blurring the appearance of your mole using home remedies that have not been scientifically proven.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove Moles Safely
Step 1. Make an appointment with a dermatologist
Removing moles in a safe way is a decision you won't regret. Having your moles checked by a healthcare professional is far more important than trying to remove them yourself, even for cosmetic reasons. When you see your doctor, he or she will explain if your mole is potentially malignant. If so, removing it professionally is the only safe way, because other methods will not be enough to treat the cancer cells.
- If you don't have a regular dermatologist, ask your GP to recommend a dermatologist to you.
- If you don't have health insurance, look for a health clinic near you that provides mole removal services or referrals.
- Be aware that some doctors may be able to perform a mole removal procedure in their clinic.
Step 2. Determine if a biopsy is needed
At your appointment with your doctor, he or she will examine your mole to determine if it looks malignant. If the mole shows symptoms of melanoma or other types of skin cancer, the doctor will order a biopsy to determine the presence of cancer cells. If there are none, the doctor will probably go straight and remove your mole.
- To perform a biopsy, a small sample of the mole will be sent to a laboratory for examination.
- If the results are positive, further treatment will be required. If the result is negative, you can choose to leave your mole or have it removed.
Step 3. See if you can shave the mole
Shaving surgery is a procedure in which the mole is removed from the surface of the skin. A local anesthetic is given near the mole, so you won't feel any pain during this process (other than the needle injection). In this procedure, no stitches are required, and will only leave a small scar on your skin.
- In some cases, the area of the skin where the mole is infested is also burned with a tool to burn the layers of skin, reducing the chances of your mole growing back.
- This option may be done for non-cancerous moles that are relatively small. A mole that covers a larger surface of the skin will be too large to shave and burn.
Step 4. Perform excision surgery if necessary
If your mole is malignant, or it is large and covers a large surface, it may need to be surgically removed. After administering a local anesthetic, the dermatologist will make a deeper incision to remove the mole and surrounding tissue, thereby preventing it from growing back. The wound is then closed using stitches designed to leave only a small cut.
- While it may sound like a serious thing, surgical excision is actually a quick outpatient medical procedure. Once started, this treatment will be completed in just a few minutes.
- Since only local anesthesia is given, you will be able to drive home and continue with your normal life.
- Be sure to treat your wound as directed by your doctor. You may also have to return to your doctor's office to have the sutures removed.
- Be aware that the incision in this procedure is very small. So, if there is a hair growing there, the doctor will also cut the root.
Step 5. Consider cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is also a common treatment option for mole removal. In this procedure, the mole will be frozen with liquid nitrogen administered through a cotton swab. This treatment has some side effects which usually resolve within a short period of time.
- This treatment can be performed by a general practitioner or a dermatologist at their clinic. Some treatment clinics even have nurses who have been trained to provide cryotherapy procedures.
- Keep in mind that in this procedure, no tissue samples will be sent to the laboratory as they are completely frozen.
Step 6. Consider laser treatment
Some doctors and dermatologists can also remove moles with a laser. Ask your doctor or dermatologist if this option is appropriate for your situation.
Step 7. Ask about electrosurgery
Another treatment option you can talk to your doctor about is electrosurgery. In this procedure, bleeding due to mole removal can be controlled more. In addition, the healing is fast and does not cause much scarring.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Avoid mole removal creams
These creams are often sold online, marketed as an inexpensive, non-invasive alternative to surgical removal. In fact, mole removal creams can leave deep pocket marks on your skin, as they penetrate deeper than the mole and penetrate into the layers of skin underneath, leaving scars that can't be repaired. Minor wounds after surgery will be less when compared to wounds after using a mole removal cream.
- In addition, mole removal creams do not address the issue of whether the mole cells are cancer cells. Applying it to malignant moles can be very dangerous, cancer cells can remain and continue to grow uncontrollably without your knowledge.
- Do not use any type of cream or product without consulting your doctor first.
Step 2. Don't ignore changes to the mole
If you don't like the possibility of surgery, you may want to leave your mole and forget about it. This is usually not a problem, unless you notice that your mole changes shape over time. Changes in moles can be a sign of cancer cells. Use the ABCDE guide to examine your moles. If you notice any of the following, be sure to make an appointment with a doctor:
- A for "asymmetrical" shapes. If your mole has very distinct parts, this may be a sign of cancer.
- B for border or "border; watch for moles with uneven and irregular borders.
- C for color or "color". Moles that are discolored, have more than one color, or have a gradation of color should be examined.
- D for "diameter". If your mole is more than 0.6 cm in diameter and still getting bigger, have it checked.
- E for change or "evolving". Watch for any changes in your mole that occur within a few weeks or months.
Step 3. Protect your skin from UV rays to prevent the formation of new moles
Exposure to sunlight can cause new moles to form. Make sure to protect yourself from UV rays so that no new moles appear on your skin, and the existing moles stay healthy.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, even in the rainy season. Instead, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays, and is also water-resistant.
- Try to cover your mole with a scarf or hat.
- Avoid using skin tanners.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Unscientific Unproven Home Treatments
Step 1. Be aware that these home remedies are not backed by scientific evidence
Most home remedies are based solely on individual experience. This means, only a few people ever succeed after trying it. However, removing moles at home may be unsafe and risky. It is possible that the mole is malignant and requires medical treatment. So, make sure to consult your doctor first before trying any home remedies.
Step 2. Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is often used in the treatment of skin problems such as psoriasis, burns, and frostbite. Try applying aloe vera to the surface of the mole every day and see the effect. Simply apply aloe vera to the mole, cover it with a clean cotton bandage, then leave it on for at least 3 hours. Repeat this step daily for about 3 weeks to remove moles.
Step 3. Try apple cider vinegar
While there are no scientific studies that confirm the success of this method, some people experience that using apple cider vinegar can reduce the appearance of moles. To do this way,
- Put a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball.
- Place a cotton ball over the mole and wrap a bandage over it.
- Leave the bandage on the mole for an hour.
- Do this every day until the mole disappears. Stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Step 4. Use garlic
Garlic has many health benefits, and some people say it can help to get rid of moles. To try this method, you need fresh garlic, not dried garlic. Here's what you need to do:
- Take a clove of garlic and cut it into two parts.
- Place the piece of garlic over the mole and leave it wrapped overnight in a bandage.
- Repeat for several days. Stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Step 5. Use a banana peel
Some people say that banana peels can help get rid of moles. At least the banana peel will moisturize your skin.
- Peel the banana skin.
- Place it on the mole for an hour.
- Repeat daily until your mole is gone. Stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Step 6. Try baking soda and castor oil
Take some baking soda and moisten it with a few drops of castor oil. Apply this paste to the mole. Leave it overnight. after a few days, check if your mole is still there. Stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Step 7. Use tea tree oil
Apply tea tree oil to the surface of your mole twice a day using a cotton swab. At night, you can also soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and tape it over the mole. Repeat this method for a month, or as long as it takes to remove the mole, possibly for the rest of your life. Stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Tips
Moles can make you look beautiful! Try to get used to your mole and like it. There's no reason to get rid of it unless you think your mole might be malignant
Warning
- Do not squeeze or scratch your mole. This can cause it to bleed, and your mole will come off, you will get sores and your mole will reappear.
- Never try to remove a mole by operating it at home.
