Interested in getting rid of moles on your body? Before doing any method, make sure you first check the condition of the mole to the doctor. To be safer, moles should be removed by professional medical personnel using special surgical methods. If you feel the cost is too expensive, actually there are several home methods that you can try. However, be aware that the various home methods listed in this article have not been scientifically tested, and may lead to scarring or infection if not done properly.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing Medical Procedures
Step 1. Ask the doctor to examine the condition of the mole
Before trying to remove it, make sure you see a doctor first to make sure the mole is benign and does not indicate a risk of skin cancer. Remember, never try to remove a mole before going to the doctor! If you find that your mole is not problematic, try discussing safe removal methods with your doctor. If the existence of a mole doesn't bother you, there's no need to try to get rid of it. In particular, moles may be removed if:
- Constantly rubbing against clothes.
- Constantly getting stuck on jewelry.
- Its existence interferes with your appearance.
- Makes you feel stressed, anxious, or embarrassed.
Step 2. Perform the surgical procedure
If the doctor thinks the mole can be removed, they will most likely recommend a surgical procedure. In this procedure, the doctor will first anesthetize the area of skin around the mole, then remove the mole and some of the skin around it using a scalpel or similar instrument. Then, the doctor will sew up the incision so that the skin condition can completely heal afterward.
Most likely, the doctor will re-examine the condition of the skin after the mole is removed, and perform follow-up tests (biopsy) to determine whether or not there is a risk of skin cancer
Step 3. Perform surgery to “shave” the mole
Moles can also be shaved off by a qualified surgeon. First, the area of skin around the mole will be given a local anesthetic. Then, the doctor will make an incision on the surface of the mole and part of the area below it. Generally, this procedure is only used to remove small moles, and does not require stitches afterward.
Step 4. Freeze the mole
In addition to surgery, in some cases, moles can also be frozen beforehand so that they can be removed more safely. Generally, the doctor will apply liquid nitrogen to the mole so that it can then be easily removed from your skin. This procedure can leave blisters that should heal on their own.
Step 5. Burn the mole
In some cases, the doctor will recommend a mole "burning" procedure. Don't worry, doctors don't use fire, but a special medical device capable of conducting an electric current to the surface of the skin and "burning it". Generally, the procedure will need to be repeated several times to remove large moles, especially since the electric current is only capable of burning a thin layer of skin.
Step 6. Try a chemical peel
Several types of chemicals, such as salicylic acid, can be used to remove moles. However, understand that the method must be carried out by a doctor! If you do it yourself and something goes wrong, you run the risk of burning your skin, becoming infected, or having permanent scars.
Method 2 of 2: Mole Removal at Home
Step 1. Do not try to shave, cut, burn, freeze, or peel a mole at home
Before doing anything, make sure your doctor first checks to make sure the mole will not develop into cancer. Otherwise, the cancer cells may spread to other parts of your body. Also, the skin can become infected and/or scarred if you keep trying to cut, peel, freeze, or burn the mole without a doctor's help. Since mole surgery is quite expensive, and may not be covered by insurance, you can try to remove it yourself at home, even if this method is not recommended.
- Do not cut moles with knives, scissors, nail clippers, etc.
- Do not use tape, nail polish, fingers, etc. to exfoliate moles.
- Do not try to freeze the mole with ice cubes, dry ice, liquid nitrogen, etc.
- Do not try to burn the mole with a flame or electric heat source.
Step 2. Understand the risks before applying any method
In fact, there are various types of creams and similar products that claim to be home remedies for mole removal. Interested in trying it? Careful. Even though these products are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies or online stores, and are labeled “natural” or have a warranty, side effects such as burning, tingling, irritation, or even permanent scars remain. Just because the product is made from extracts from natural ingredients such as cashews, figs, lemons, eggplant, calendine flowers, and blood root, doesn't mean you should use it carelessly. Remember, even "natural" products are not necessarily "safe" to use. Some types of products that you can find in the market are:
- Best on Earth Black
- Black Blood Root Ointment
- Curaderm
- Dermatend
- Pristine Touch Wart & Mole Vanish
Step 3. Apply food-based methods
Interested in removing moles using one or several types of food ingredients that are often mixed in mole removal creams? Do not hesitate to try it, because the method is relatively safe. However, since its effectiveness has not been medically tested, it is still important to discuss the method you want to try with your doctor.
- Traditional mole removal methods often involve the intervention of foodstuffs such as cauliflower, grapes, radishes, walnuts, figs, vinegar, banana peels, pineapple, cashews, garlic, and honey.
- Try making a paste or juice from one or more of the above foods. Then, apply the paste or juice to the mole daily, and let it dry (about 10-15 minutes) before rinsing it off thoroughly.
- Some sources claim that applying this method on a regular basis is effective in removing moles.
- However, note that some foods that contain acids or other harsh substances can cause a burning, tingling, or stinging sensation on the skin. If you notice skin irritation, stop the method immediately!
Step 4. Apply non-food based methods
Indeed, moles can also be removed with objects other than food. Although these objects can be easily purchased anywhere, be careful of possible side effects such as irritation, burning sensation, and increased risk of scarring. Since the effectiveness of this method has not been scientifically tested, try to consult with your doctor for possible side effects before trying it.
- Try making a paste of baking soda and castor oil. Then, dip a piece of gauze in the paste and cover the mole with the cloth overnight. Do this every day, and observe the results.
- Pour a drop of iodine on the mole, at least twice a week or until the mole is gone. Remember, iodine should be applied with extreme care and should not be swallowed. After the drops, the skin may experience irritation or a burning sensation. If this situation occurs, stop using this method.
- Try rubbing the white juice of the milkweed plant against the mole's surface. However, be aware that some species of milkweed are known to be poisonous.
Step 5. Disguise the presence of moles using concealer
If you don't have the money to have a mole operated on and you don't want to take the risk with home remedies, try "disguising" it so that other people's attention isn't too focused on it. For example:
- Cover the mole with facial makeup such as concealer or powder. Try experimenting with different makeup colors to find the product that best suits your skin tone.
- If the mole or the area around it is growing with hair, try trimming it with the help of scissors (be careful not to hurt your skin when doing this!). This action is also quite effective at disguising the presence of moles.
- If the mole is located on a part of the body that can be covered by clothing, try choosing clothes that can hide it. For example, wear long-sleeved clothes to hide a mole on the arm, or long pants to hide a mole on the leg.
- Distract others from your mole. For example, if you have a mole on your neck and want to disguise it, try wearing earrings in a unique shape and size to distract others.
