Sarnoff says trying to remove a mole at home is highly inadvisable. “I would never recommend at-home mole or skin tag removal,
You wear your skin every day, as well as being the skin’s largest organ; it is also the most accessible.
This can actually work in your favour; you are far more likely to notice any changes to your skin.
Most people have moles of some form on their bodies. You need to be aware of them and what they look like so that you notice any new moles or changes to existing moles.
Unfortunately, a lot of people think that their moles are unsightly, and therefore they are tempted to try and remove their moles at home. The question is: is at home mole removal possible, and is it a good idea?
Moles Explained
A mole occurs when the melanocytes (which are the cells that give the skin its colour) grow clustered together rather than spreading out.
The cells crowd together, creating a little huddle. The mole itself might be raised or flat. There are actually three different types of moles.
Firstly, there are congenital moles which are often referred to as birthmarks. These moles are present at birth, and they are almost always benign.
Size-wise, congenital moles are hard to predict; they can be any size, from small and almost unnoticeable to quite large.
Next, there are acquired moles. These moles tend to develop between infancy and middle age. They are often benign, but the more you have does increase your risk of melanoma.
The growths themselves can be raised or flat, and they can present in any number of different colours, from pink or nude to brown or, sometimes, even blue.
They are often smallish, about the diameter of a pencil, and they tend to be symmetrical too.
Lastly, there are atypical moles. These moles, as the name suggests, are hard to predict. They can vary in size, and they tend to have jagged borders and irregular colours.
They are usually benign, but this is not guaranteed. Despite their benignity, they still often need removing.
Why Do Moles Need Removing?
Most moles are totally harmless and won’t need removing.
However, you should pay attention to your moles, and if they change in size, shape or colour, then you should consult your doctor.
On rare occasions, your doctor might suggest removing or performing a biopsy on your moles to see whether or not they are cancerous.
You may also choose to have your moles removed if they make you feel self-conscious or affect your self-esteem.
How to Tell if a Mole Is Cancerous
Seeing a medical professional is the best way to tell if a mole is cancerous.
If you have a family history of cancer or a history of skin cancer yourself, then regular screenings are recommended.
In the interim, you should keep an eye on your moles.
If you notice that any of your moles are asymmetrical or oddly coloured, growing in size or shape, or if they have irregular borders, then you might want to schedule an appointment sooner to get them checked properly.
Removing Moles at Home
There are a number of DIY methods for mole removal, but the truth is that there is no evidence that any of them work. Some of them might even pose a hazard to your health.
Unproven techniques include things like applying apple cider vinegar in the hopes that it will ‘burn’ the mole off.
Or applying garlic, banana peels, baking soda, tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide.
Some methods also include tying a piece of thread around raised moles in the hopes that they will fall off or cutting them off with scissors or razor blades. This risks causing damage to the surrounding skin.
You can also find mole removal creams online, but again there is no evidence that any of these methods work.
In any case, you should not try to remove your moles at home. Seek professional medical advice about mole removal instead of attempting these risky and unproven methods.
Proper Methods of Mole Removal
If you have a mole that is bothering you, either because it is unsightly or concerned about it, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist.
As mentioned above, some moles can be insidious. They can be a sign of melanoma.
Your doctor or dermatologist can perform a biopsy to see whether the mole is benign or cancerous, and you can then proceed from there.
If you want to have a mole removed, then there are a few methods that your doctor or dermatologist can choose from.
The processes are quite straightforward, although they might require a follow-up visit or two.
The first method is freezing. Moles can be frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
The next method is burning. An electrical current is used to burn off the upper layers of the mole, but it might take a few sessions to completely remove the mole using this method.
Your dermatologist may choose to use a surgical blade to shave the mole off of the surface of your skin.
The final method is known as an excision, and this typically takes place on cancerous moles.
Unfortunately, it is the most invasive mole removal method. The mole is essentially dug out of the skin removing all traces of it. The skin is then stitched back together.
While the methods might seem a little daunting, they usually use a local anaesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Following the procedure, your doctor or dermatologist will provide you with some guidance on what pain killers you can use.
The Bottom Line
In all honesty, if you have a mole that is of no concern to you health-wise, the best thing that you can do for it is to leave it alone.
Although, this may be easier said than done if it is having a profound effect on your mental health.
If you want to have the mole removed because your clothes are irritating, or you don’t like the way it affects your appearance, or if you are concerned about it, then seeing a medical professional is the best way to go.
You should make sure that you are keeping a watchful eye over your moles even if they don’t bother you. Make sure you know the signs of skin cancer. Catching them early is the best thing you can do for your health.
