What Is A Mole?

A mole, also known as a nevus, is a growth on your skin that can look brown to black. These moles can appear anywhere on your skin and occur alone or in clusters. Some moles are present from birth and some develop later in life. They are usually painless and harmless and are not contagious. An adult can naturally have 10-40 moles that can even disappear over time. However, if your mole is bothersome in any way or behaves oddly, it can be a cause for concern and you should consult a dermatologist.

Who Can Benefit A Mole Removal Treatment?

You can safely live with any number of moles as long as they remain largely the same. However, many people choose to remove a mole for cosmetic reasons. Moles on the face can be a cause for low self-esteem in some. Plus, some jobs like acting, modeling, show hosting, etc. may need you to be mole-free. In those cases, a quick and safe mole removal treatment can enhance the quality of your social life.

When Is Mole Removal A Medical Requirement?

A harmless-looking and -feeling mole might become a health concern if you notice certain changes in it. Some moles can be cancerous and may be a symptom of melanoma. Watch out for the following ABCDE to know when to seek medical help:

• A for Asymmetrical Shape: A mole should be roughly round. Mismatching sides can be concerning.
• B for Border: A mole should have even borders and feel consistent in texture. If you see notches or irregularities, consult a doctor.
• C for Changes in Color: Watch out for any change in color or unevenness in the color of the mole.
• D for Diameter: Notice if the size of the mole is increasing or if a new mole is larger than 6mm.
• E is for evolving: Look for any changes in the size, shape, texture, color, or height of the mole. Also, note if you have any itchiness or bleeding.

These kinds of changes may be a symbol or pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions. So, seek medical help immediately for early treatment.

Can You Remove Moles At Home?

No, you cannot remove moles at home. There are no effective DIY techniques or authority-approved creams to make a mole disappear. In fact, trying untested methods at home can lead to bad scarring, bleeding, infection, etc. Plus, on the chances that a mole might be cancerous, removing it at home deprives you of the opportunity to seek treatment for cancer.

How Is Mole Removal Treatment Done?

Mole removal is a daycare procedure. It is done under local anesthesia or after applying a numbing cream so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Depending on the nature of your mole, the doctor may suggest one of the two procedures:

• Shave Removal: This procedure is most suitable for normal-looking, small moles. In this treatment, the doctor takes a surgical razor and simply shaves off the mole to the skin. The exposed skin may be cauterized to prevent infection or resurfacing of the mole. This is not recommended for suspicious moles as it doesn’t leave a sizeable sample for cancer testing.
• Surgical Removal: Surgical removal is for larger and suspicious-looking moles. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut the mole out of the skin. In case it is suspected to be cancerous, the cut is done with a good margin. This process serves as a preventive treatment for malignant cells that have not started spreading. It leaves a good enough tissue sample for lab testing.

  After the test, you can go back to your normal life the same day. Make sure to keep the treated area clean and away from sunlight and harsh products. Apply the topical creams and prescribed medicines (if any) as advised for quick and scar-free recovery.