Most moles are harmless, but some are unsightly and embarrassing. Whether you choose to have it removed with surgery or home treatment, there is no need to worry as most moles are relatively easy to remove. If you want to quickly get rid of a mole you don't like, here are some practical steps you can take.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Undergoing Surgery
Step 1. Consult a doctor or dermatologist
You should check moles to a doctor or dermatologist before performing surgery. The doctor can determine whether the mole you have is dangerous or not. The doctor will also tell you the best mole removal method for you.
- Most moles are benign or harmless. But symptoms such as itching, bleeding and changes in size or color indicate the characteristics of a mole that is malignant and dangerous.
- If your mole is dangerous or malignant, get rid of it as soon as possible.
- A harmless mole does not need to be removed. But many people choose to get rid of it for beauty reasons.
- The doctor will use the ABCDE guide which stands for Asymmetry (asymmetry), Border (border), Color (color), Diameter (diameter), and Evolving (change in shape).
Step 2. Consider the options
There are many ways to get rid of moles. You have to consider which way is best for you. Pay attention to the following:
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Effectiveness.
Consider how effective each treatment will be. Will the procedure you choose remove the mole completely? Is there a risk it will grow back?
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Cost.
Each procedure has varying costs, so choose the method that suits your financial capabilities.
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Risk.
What are the risks associated with each procedure? Can moles become infected? Is there a risk of scarring or nerve damage? Do you need to use anesthesia?
Step 3. Consider removing the mole using the usual cutting or shaving method
This method is very suitable for moles that are on the surface of the skin. The mole will be removed with surgical scissors or shaved off with a scalpel.
- First, the surgeon will cut the mole so it no longer forms a lump on the skin.
- This method does not require stitches. The wound will be burned or smeared with cream or liquid medicine to stop the bleeding. Then a topical antibiotic will be applied to the wound.
- The wound will then be bandaged and you can leave the room in a matter of minutes.
Step 4. Another method of mole removal is to use excision followed by sutures
This method of removal is perfect for moles that are darker in color or flat moles that have penetrated deep into the skin.
- First, the mole and the surrounding skin will be sterilized and numbed.
- Then, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out the mole. How deep an incision needs to be made depends on the size and whether or not the mole is dangerous. A wider section will usually be removed if the mole is dangerous to ensure that the mole has been completely removed.
- The wound is then closed with stitches. Some types of sutures require continued contact to be removed, while others will fuse together with the skin.
Step 5. Another method of removal is cryosurgery, or freezing
This is an alternative method of mole removal that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy moles. This method is only given by certain clinics.
- Liquid nitrogen can be applied directly to the mole using a cotton swab, or it can be given in the form of a spray.
- Liquid nitrogen may need to be applied several times to completely remove the mole. This method will cause blisters on the skin, but after healing, the skin will return to normal.
Step 6. Another method of removal to consider is electrocoagulation, or combustion
Electrocoagulation burns the mole by shocking it with an electric current. This method destroys the mole tissue after a few sessions. This method does not require stitches because the heat from the electricity will burn the wound.
Two other specialized methods of mole removal offered by some clinics are radiosurgery, which uses radio frequency waves and laser treatment. Both of these methods work with the same idea of burning the mole tissue
Step 7. Ask your doctor about electrosurgery
Electrosurgery may be a good treatment option to discuss with your doctor. Electrosurgery to remove moles can help reduce bleeding that may occur, thereby reducing the risk of complications, speeding up scar recovery, and minimizing scar formation.
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera can be used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, herpes sores, burns, and frostbite. Applying aloe vera to the mole every day may help to get rid of it. To use it, apply a large amount of aloe vera to the mole and then cover it with a clean bandage. Leave this bandage for three hours, and then remove and rinse off the remaining aloe. Do this treatment every day for three weeks and you may start to feel the results.
Step 2. Take advantage of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar-a wonder ingredient used in countless home remedies-is one of the most commonly used treatments for mole removal. The acids contained in vinegar such as malic and tartaric acid are very effective at removing moles and removing them from the skin. Just apply it to the skin daily using a cotton ball.
Step 3. Garlic is also effective for removing moles
Garlic is another home remedy that has many benefits and one of them is to remove moles. You can simply crush a few cloves of fresh garlic into a paste and apply it to the mole. Be careful not to touch the surrounding skin (garlic can burn the skin). Cover with a bandage and leave for a few hours or overnight. This method is believed to work in at least five days.
Step 4. Take advantage of iodine
Iodine is a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin because it doesn't have the burning effect of garlic or apple cider vinegar. Apply iodine directly to the mole using a cotton ball three times a day. Keep doing this every day, until you see a change in the mole.
Step 5. Use sour apple juice
Make juice from ripe sour apples and apply a small amount of juice directly to the mole. Just like apple cider vinegar, the acid in the juice will work to get rid of the mole, although it may take at least three weeks before you start to notice any changes.
Step 6. Prepare the pineapple and sea salt
Pineapple juice can be applied directly to moles, but you can also try mixing half a cup of fresh pineapple with a quarter cup of coarse sea salt to make a fantastic facial scrub. This scrub mixture can remove moles on the top layer of the skin.
Step 7. Use castor oil and baking soda
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of castor oil to make a paste. Apply a small amount directly to the mole and leave it on for a few hours or overnight before cleaning it.
Step 8. Make use of honey
Honey is delicious to eat, but did you know it also has antibacterial properties and amazing medicinal effects? Apply a little honey directly on the mole for a natural remedy. Also add a drop of soothing and softening flaxseed oil if you like.
Step 9. Use home remedies with care
There are many home remedies designed to get rid of moles using natural ingredients. Although this treatment is backed by little science, many people have acknowledged its effectiveness. You just need to be careful when using natural juices that are acidic because they have the potential to burn the skin. To take advantage of safe but effective home remedies, apply natural juices at least once a day and a maximum of three times a day.
- If your skin is very sensitive, leave the juice on your skin for only 10-15 minutes to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the skin around the mole. This is to prevent irritated skin.
- The length of time it takes to reduce or remove moles is different for each individual.
- Be aware that home remedies may not work as quickly or as effectively as surgical removal or strong medical creams, but are a good option if you are looking for an inexpensive or natural solution.
Method 3 of 3: Using Medication Cream
Step 1. Use a mole removal cream
Mole removal creams are an affordable and quite effective way to get rid of moles at home.
- Most creams work by lightening moles until they are no longer visible. This cream works in a matter of weeks.
- Over-the-counter stronger creams work by peeling the skin layer by layer until the mole is completely gone.
- Keep in mind that mole removal creams can actually leave scars that are worse than surgery scars.
Step 2. Use a whitening cream
Whitening creams are also effective for reducing the appearance of moles. It works very similarly to a mole removal cream in that it also removes moles on the top layer of the skin using a skin lightener.
Tips
- Watch for any moles that have changed over time. This is especially true for moles that are dark or flat. Go to the doctor immediately if you are worried about your mole.
- Apply sunscreen when you are outdoors. This will help to prevent dangerous moles or cancerous moles from appearing.
Warning
- If you treat moles with home remedies, be aware that some natural treatments like apple cider vinegar and garlic can burn the skin and cause scarring. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around the mole to prevent burns.
- Many people who try to remove moles for beauty reasons but do not realize that every mole removal will leave a scar. Before deciding to do so, the surgeon can give you an idea of the type and location of the scar after mole removal.
