Tag: DIY Mole removal

Natural Mole Removal

What is a Mole?

A mole is a benign skin lesion usually caused by the grouping of skin cells in one area as opposed to being spread out, which generally takes place during regular skin cell production.

Moles usually appear brown or light brown and may appear on the skin during childhood or early adolescents but may continue to grow up until the person is 25 years old.

Many moles will continue to grow and may change color throughout the life of the carrier, and although seemingly harmless, some types of moles, if left untreated, may lead to other conditions such as skin cancer.

Although unsightly, many people have moles, and most adults can expect to have between 20 and 50 moles on their bodies by the time they reach full maturity.

According to WebMD: “As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Sometimes, hairs develop in the mole. Some moles may not change at all, while others may slowly disappear over time.”

Are Moles Dangerous?

Most moles are mere blemishes on the skin and do not pose any threat to the health of the carrier. However, some types of moles are precursors to skin cancer, and if left untreated can be detrimental to the health.

Cancerous moles generally have their unique shape and can be diagnosed by a trip to the dermatologists.

Plenty of online resources exist to help people diagnose their skin blemish. Still, extra caution should be taken when it comes to moles, and professional opinion should be sought out if you may be concerned about a growth on your skin.

Types of Moles

Not all moles are created equal, and some types may be harder to treat than others. Although most moles do not negatively impact health, some are seen as unsightly, and many people pursue removal. It is a good idea to be able to identify which type of mole you have so you can plan the correct removal or treatment.

Congenital Moles

Any moles which are on your skin from birth are known as congenital moles. Congenital moles are mostly harmless and very rarely grow into cancerous growths. Although harmless, these can still be removed with treatment.

Common Moles

Just as the name suggests, common moles are amongst the most common type of skin blemish that can arise on humans. Common moles are also known as acquired moles in some places, which hints further at the fact that these are moles that grow on the skin throughout a person’s life. Common moles are entirely harmless and do not require removal, although some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic purposes.

Atypical Moles

This type of mole, if grown on the skin, should be checked immediately by a skin specialist or dermatologist. These moles are commonly grown in very irregular shapes and can have multiple colors visible through them. Atypical moles are often larger than the less serious moles and should be inspected by a skin care professional before removal is attempted.

What Causes New Moles?

Although moles have been around as long as humans, there are still many facts we do not know about them. When it comes to cancerous moles such as melanoma, we know they are mainly caused by a genetic mutation on the BRAF gene. A mutation on the BRAF gene is an extremely common occurrence in those who suffer from a large number of benign moles, although the data has not been perfected.

Although still in question, there are some causes which scientists believe affect mole growth, these are,

  • Age
  • Sunburn and tanning bed use
  • Family history of moles
  • Genetic mutations
  • Response to other drugs (antibiotics, hormones, antidepressants)
  • Fair or light skin and hair color

How to Remove a Mole?

Though mostly harmless and benign, moles may cause an unsightly appearance on a person’s body, and mole removal has become a craze amongst home remedy specialists.

Although you may be tempted to snip the mole off or attempt some home remedy, great care should be taken as many mole removal treatments advertised on the internet can have adverse side effects if done incorrectly.

Here is a list of some of the untested home remedies people claim work, many of these are unproven and should not be attempted without medical advice.

  • Cutting or snipping the mole off
  • Rubbing iodine on the mole
  • Burning the mole with cider vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Frankincense oil
  • Banana peels
  • Baking soda
  • Castor oil

These methods, as mentioned above, are untested and may cause damage to the skin around the mole instead of removing the growth.

Tried and Tested Methods

There are many tried and tested mole removal methods that are a lot safer than home remedies. These methods are tested by professional skincare experts and have been deemed reliable and useful in the removal of moles and skin growths.

Cover and Conceal

One of the safest ways to stop a mole from affecting your cosmetic beauty is to cover the mole. This method is favored by those who do not want to take risks involved in mole removal and whose mole may be in an easy to cover area.

Dermatological Treatment

If your blemish is in a location that may be harder to conceal than others, dermatological treatment may be the safest and easiest route to go. Many dermatologists use liquid nitrogen or something similar to freeze the growth, after which the patient will undergo a waiting period while the growth slowly dies.

Creams and Ointments

There several creams and ointments available which can be used to treat moles. Many of these are available over the counter from most pharmacies and convenience stores.

Lasers

Some products which emit what is known as rapid light pulses have been proven to be a pain-free and effective way to remove moles and skin growth. Some handheld devices, such as the Tommy Timmy Spot Blaster Pro, targets the growth at its root and negate its full flourishing.

Removing Moles: Solutions And Costs

Different Types of Moles

Moles, AKA nevus, are created when melanin-forming skin cells are clustered in one area instead of being spread out. These are usually non-cancerous and can come in different sizes, colors, and textures. Many solutions for removing moles exist, but first we have to understand the different types of moles. Moles come in the following three main types.

Nearly everyone has moles. They can be found almost anywhere on the body, including the head, under nails and webbing between fingers and toes. 

Congenital Mole

Congenital Mole
Congenital Mole

 

These are moles that are present at birth. They can be large, such as certain birthmarks, or barely noticeable.

Atypical Mole

Atypical Mole
Atypical Mole

 

Also known as dysplastic nevus, they always include more than one color. They are larger than a pencil eraser, and have an atypical shape to them. They can sometimes appear similar to a melanoma.

Common Mole

Common Mole
Common Mole

 

The majority of all nevus are common moles. These appear over time, and most people have a few dozen. Having an inordinately large number can lead to a potentially higher risk of developing melanoma.

Should You Use Home Removal Methods?

There are dozens of online suggestions and videos for removing moles at home. However, many home remedies such as applying iodine or mixing baking soda and castor oil are not as effective as they seem.

A study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School reported: “a case of keloid development following the application” of over the counter creams for removing moles. (1) Some other unsafe remedies include, but are not limited to, cutting and burning the area away. This can cause infection to set in and scar tissue to develop.

Home remedies are also unpredictable because there is no way to know if the growth is a melanoma or not. If it is cancerous and it goes undiagnosed, then cancer could potentially spread through your body. This is why it is important to at least get your moles identified before attempting any form of home remedy. A doctor will also be able to recommend creams that are safer to use and less likely to cause keloids. You may also consult with your doctor about using other at-home remedies such as lasers like the Tommy Timmy Smoother Skin Laser. (2)

Characteristics Of A Mole: When To Consult A Professional

Moles are incredibly common so it can be easy to dismiss them as just another part of your skin’s makeup. When in doubt, have your doctor take a biopsy to check for melanoma. If you are not sure what to look for, then take a look at the list below where we have listed comparisons between characteristics of typical moles and potential melanomas.

Mole examples
Mole Examples

Color and Texture

The color of your mole is important in determining if it is likely to be a melanoma. Most common moles are harmless and come in various shades of browns and are relatively smooth to the touch. If you notice a mole that is red or pink with a rough or bumpy texture, then you may want to consult with a doctor or professional skin care technician.

Size and Shape

Most harmless moles are the size of a pencil eraser or smaller. They have a distinct circular or oval shape to them. Potentially harmful moles are generally larger and come in various asymmetrical shapes that have ragged edges. If you have a mole that suddenly begins to grow or change shape then you should have it checked out immediately.

Location

You should always be more mindful of moles located in areas that are statistically likely to develop cancer, such as the breast, under your hairline, or on your bottom. If you do have a brightly colored, textured mole in one of these areas, then it is important that you get it seen by a professional to have them determine if it is cancerous or not.

Cost And Insurance Coverage

There are several factors to consider when determining both the cost of removing a mole and whether or not your insurance plan covers it. If a mole is determined to be cancerous after a biopsy, then it may need to be surgically removed, which can increase the cost substantially. It is always best in cases like this to reach out to your insurance provider to find out precisely what your plan does and does not cover.

Unfortunately, the majority of moles are not covered under most typical insurance plans and are considered an elective cosmetic procedure. You will want to consult with your doctor before going to a specialist or planning to have a procedure performed so that you can get a better determination of what the cost will be based on the size and location of your mole.

The cost for removing moles vary widely because it is based on the method and reasons for wanting a mole removed.
For instance, a cosmetic removal will not require a biopsy whereas a medical removal will. There is also the cost of whether a medical specialist removed the mole or a beautician.
rices can range from as little as $50 per single mole to a few hundred dollars.

What to Expect When You Get a Mole Removed

There are the at-home remedies that you can try for removing moles with the advice of certified professionals, and they usually involve some form of a cream that is applied directly to the mole. There are also skin care treatment centers that you can be referred to by your doctor if you choose to have a procedure done by a dermatologist to remove the mole.

The actual removal process will involve one of the following options, which will take place after the area has been numbed.

Shave biopsy

The mole and area around it are shaved off using a blade.

Punch biopsy

A punching tool is placed over the mole, and the entire area is ‘punched’ out.

Scalpel removal

The entire mole and surrounding area is excised with a scalpel and then stitched together to assist with healing.

The process of removing a mole is quick, easy, and almost painless if done by a dermatologist. If there is a scar, it is usually quite small. Afterward, a sample will be studied, and if it had cancer cells, then your doctor will be able to help you determine the next steps to take.

Resources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=mole+removal+creams
  2. https://tommytimmy.com/a/offers/f/11214/0/tommy-timmy-smoother-skin

How To Remove A Raised Mole

Moles are skin growths that appear at any part of the body. Further, they can occur either in groups or alone and are black or brown. Additionally, they can be raised or flat. Moles usually appear in early childhood or within the first 20 years of one’s life. A typical adult has between 10 -40 moles. However, Some moles appear late in life and have a higher risk of been cancerous. Many people choose to remove raised moles for aesthetics reasons while others remove them due to discomfort. Whatever the reason, knowing when and how to remove a raised mole is very important.

With time, moles experience some changes, with the color becoming lighter and the mole raised. Some may never change and others will disappear altogether. Fortunately, most moles are harmless.

It’s essential to monitor moles and other skin growths to aid in detecting skin cancer, most importantly, malignant melanoma. Let’s get more details on moles and their removal.

Types of Skin Moles

Moles come in varying sizes, colors, and symptoms, which help in classifying them. The following are the common types of moles.

Congenital Moles

Congenital Mole
Congenital Mole

They are also referred to as birthmarks or common moles. Congenital moles vary in size, with some being very large. Typically, they are benign. The large types can increase one’s risk of developing melanoma.

Atypical Moles

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These are also called dysplastic nevi. They have an abnormal shape when viewed under the microscope. Atypical moles are usually benign, they are associated with a higher risk of melanoma. They can be found in any part of the body, and their shape varies to a large extent.

Spitz Nevus

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Spitz moles are similar to melanoma in appearance; only a dermatologist can distinguish the two. Mostly they appear in the first 20 years of one’s life. Interestingly, some adults do develop spitz nevus. They are usually dome-shaped, raised, and pink on color. You may also find some that are black, brown, or red. Occasionally, they may bleed or have oozing openings. Usually, the mole is raised.

What Causes Skin Moles?

Moles develop due to clustering or overgrowth of skin cells (melanocytes). Additionally, melanocytes are skin cells that are responsible for skin color. As a result, the moles may darken due to exposure to the sun, during pregnancy and teen years.

The development of new moles in adulthood is not well understood. These new moles can either be benign or cancerous. Interestingly, genetic mutations on the BRAF gene may be the main cause of the development of moles in adulthood. Mutations on his gene are also involved in the development of melanomas. How a benign mole transforms into a cancerous one is still a mystery to researchers.

Ultraviolet light (UV) either natural or artificial, may cause genetic damage to DNA, resulting in melanoma and related skin cancers.

Some of the main reasons why you may develop moles in adulthood include:

Family history of atypical moles

  • Advanced age
  • Side effects of immune system suppressing drugs
  • Red or light hair or fair hair
  • Genetic mutations
  • Exposure to sun, sunburns, or tanning bed use
  • Response to medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants or antibiotics
  • New mole in adulthood may be cancerous. This creates the need for a visit to a dermatologist or your doctor if you have a new mole.

How to Remove a Raised Mole

The ideal method to remove a mole raised which is non-cancerous depends on the size, type, and location. Mostly a physician will use any of the following methods to remove the mole.

Surgical Shave

This is a procedure in which a doctor uses a scalpel to shave the mole. The doctor may opt to apply local anesthesia on the spot to minimize the discomfort. Usually, a small pink mark is left on the skin after the shaving procedure. This is one of the best methods of removing raised moles. This procedure is vital in extracting biopsies for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

Surgical Excision

This method is more invasive compared to a surgical shave. It’s mainly used for moles that extend beneath the upper layer of the skin. In this procedure, the doctor cuts the mole alongside the skin surrounding the area. A few stitches are needed to seal the cut and may result in a small scar that will fade over time. This method is useful in the diagnosis of aggressive forms of skin cancers such as melanomas.

Laser Treatment

This is the latest method used in the removal of moles. It’s ideal for thin benign moles. In this case, the doctors make no incisions. They use light to destroy the skin cells in the mole. This method is not preferred for moles in sensitive areas such as the face or ears. It’s the best alternative to surgery.

Chemical Treatment

A trained physician can use salicylic acid to destroy the mole. Only a licensed doctor should use this method since it can result in burns, permanent scarring, or infections.

Mole Removal Pens

One of the best and safest methods to remove a raised mole at home is using mole removal pens the Tommy Timmy Smoother skin. This method utilizes laser technology to eradicate moles. The gadget emits a fast light pulse on the skin to destroy the mole cells.

It can be used for moles in most parts of the body, including legs, thighs, underarms, face, shoulder, neck, and back. This method is gentle on your skin and pain-free. It’s also clinically proven to be effective and safe by dermatologists. This device is also used to remove hair from the skin.

Natural Mole Removal Methods

Some individuals claim to have used several natural substances to remove moles at home. They include tea tree oil, banana peels, aloe vera, honey, flaxseed oil, oregano oil, a mixture of baking soda and castor oil, frankincense oil, and lemon juice.

Why it’s Dangerous to Remove Moles at Home

It’s not advisable to remove moles at home using a scalpel, a razor blade, or a pair of scissors. This can create a permanent scar or lead to infections. At the same time, if you choose to remove the mole at home, you may not know if it’s cancerous, and this can be a significant risk.

Mole removal creams purchased from drug stores and online vendors should be used with caution to avoid permanent scars or other side effects.

As for DIY mole removal, some of these methods may be dangerous and may not work. Some substances used at home for mole removal contain acids or other harsh substances that may result in stinging, burning, or tingling. If the home mole removal treatment causes irritation or any other adverse effect, you should stop it immediately.

If possible, speak to your doctor before trying unproven methods to remove moles at home. Some of these methods include burning the mole with apple cider vinegar, taping with garlic, or applying iodine.

When to visit your Doctor

Individuals with numerous dysplastic nevi are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. Additionally, not all dysplastic nevi become melanoma. Importantly, if the size, color, height, or shape of a mole changes, then it’s vital to seek the opinion of your doctor. In addition, any itchy mole, infected, bleeding, or any new or rapidly growing mole deserves to be checked by a specialist.