Generally, bleeding in moles is not a medical condition to worry about. Like other parts of the body, moles can also be injured when scratched (for example, with a razor). In such cases, you usually only need to apply pressure to the injured area with a cotton swab or clean towel to stop the bleeding. After the bleeding stops, immediately clean the area with soapy water, then apply an antibacterial cream or ointment to the wound before covering it with a bandage. So, when should you worry? In fact, you should be more vigilant if the mole is bleeding even though it is not scratched or scratched, and if the mole is bleeding continuously for no apparent reason. Because this condition may be a symptom of melanoma, it's time to see a doctor to get the right treatment!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing First Aid on Injured Moles
Step 1. Press the injured area with a clean towel that has been moistened with warm water for 30 seconds
First, wet a clean towel or cotton gauze with warm water, then place the towel or gauze over the injured mole. Apply a little pressure to block blood flow to the wound and encourage the formation of a scab. In addition to stopping bleeding, the water content in the towel will also clean the wound from dust and dirt. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 30 seconds, keep pressing the mole with a towel or cotton gauze until that's the case.
If you don't want your towels to be stained with blood, try using kitchen paper or a clean rag
Step 2. Compress the injured mole with ice cubes for 30 seconds
After the bleeding has stopped, gently compress the area with a small ice cube to constrict the fine blood vessels (capillaries) behind the skin and prevent the wound from re-opening.
Although it really depends on the size of the mole that is injured, you may only need to compress it for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, try to lift the ice cubes and see if the bleeding has stopped
Step 3. Disinfect the injured mole with soapy water or an alcohol swab, then apply an antibiotic cream afterwards
Since bacteria may enter while the mole is bleeding, make sure the injured area is thoroughly cleaned before covering with a plaster. First of all, clean the mole with soapy water or an alcohol swab. After that, dry the mole and apply a small amount of antibiotic cream or antiseptic ointment (such as Neosporin) to the surface. Usually, antibiotic creams are always in the first aid kit or can be purchased at various supermarkets and large pharmacies.
As an alternative to antibiotic cream, sprinkle a small amount of non-alcohol aftershave on the wound. Don't have it? Replace it with a toner (freshener) containing witch hazel to disinfect the wound. You can easily find alcohol-free aftershaves and refreshments containing witch hazel in most supermarkets and pharmacies
Step 4. Plaster the mole to prevent re-injury
After the bleeding stops, immediately cover the mole with a bandage to absorb any remaining blood and prevent bacteria and dirt from entering the wound. If you're concerned about the wound becoming infected, apply a small amount of a medical disinfectant, such as Neosporin, to the inside of the patch before applying it to the skin.
- If the location of the mole is difficult to cover with tape, such as on the knee, try buying a patch that is specifically designed to cover the skin in the joint area, such as on the elbow or knee.
- Usually, scratched moles can heal completely within 2-3 days.
Step 5. Brush the injured mole with petroleum gel or lip balm, if you don't have a plaster
Don't have a first aid kit? Try applying petroleum jelly or lip balm to the surface of the mole after stopping the bleeding or wiping off the blood with a small towel. The moist layer is useful for preventing blood from flowing back, it also prevents bacteria from entering the wound.
Very carefully, wipe off the lip balm after 30 minutes
Step 6. Cover the mole that is bleeding profusely with a piece of gauze
If the bleeding is so much that it soaks the entire surface of the plaster, try covering it with gauze instead of regular plaster, then tape the gauze with 2-3 pieces of medical tape so it doesn't change its position. Sterile gauze absorbs blood better than plasters, and is very effective at preventing bacteria from entering the injured skin.
Sterile gauze and medical tape can be purchased at most supermarkets and major pharmacies
Method 2 of 2: See a Doctor
Step 1. See a doctor if your mole suddenly bleeds
If the mole bleeds even if it's not scratched or scratched, call your doctor immediately. Be careful, sudden bleeding in moles can be a symptom of melanoma or other types of skin cancer! Also, check with your doctor if the mole looks like an open wound, regardless of whether or not bleeding has occurred, or if the scratched mole continues to bleed even after treatment.
Fortunately, if treated quickly, the mole that bleeds and the accompanying cancer cells can be removed easily
Step 2. Describe the condition of the mole and other symptoms that accompany the bleeding to the doctor
Moles that have the potential to develop into cancer will generally change shape, color, and size over time. In addition to bleeding, the color of the mole will usually look black. Therefore, do not forget to inform the doctor about the duration of bleeding, the pain that appears, and the presence or absence of itching or discomfort that accompanies it.
If the bleeding in the mole is not accompanied by other symptoms, keep your doctor informed
Step 3. Consult the doctor about the possibility of performing a surgical procedure
If your doctor suspects that a bleeding mole may be developing into cancer, or if the presence of the mole is very uncomfortable or painful for you, they will most likely advise you to have the mole removed surgically. Previously, the doctor will take a sample of mole tissue, send it to a laboratory, and check for the presence or absence of malignant cells in it. Since mole removal is considered a minor surgery, it is usually performed by a general practitioner and the patient will only receive local anesthesia.
Although moles have the potential to develop into cancer, there is no need to worry because the surgical procedure should be able to remove 100% of the malignant cells, and make your skin completely cancer-free
Step 4. Don't try to remove moles yourself at home
Even if you think a mole has the potential to develop into cancer, never try to remove it yourself at home. Even though they are small in size, understand that moles can only be removed through an operative procedure performed by a doctor. If you try to cut it yourself, you're more likely to cut your skin or even get an infection afterwards.
After all, the process of removing moles independently is actually more likely to leave cancer-causing cells behind the skin layer
Tips
- In fact, bleeding is quite common in raised moles, especially if the mole is scratched or caught in jewelry (such as a necklace). Moles can also bleed if accidentally scratched by a razor blade.
- If you're worried that your mole's bleeding is caused by melanoma, take the necessary steps to prevent the risk of skin cancer, such as wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin from direct sunlight.
- Consult the doctor about the possibility of removing moles that constantly bleed, are unattractive in shape, or look suspicious.
