Moles can lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, but most of them are harmless. They can change color over time, becoming darker and more prominent, and while this is not necessarily an indication of a serious condition, it can be unsightly, leading many to take steps to remove them from the body entirely. There are several types of surgical interventions to remove moles, but the most important thing is to have the mole evaluated by a doctor before proceeding.
Step 1
Consult a dermatologist about to mole to rule out melanoma. He may decide to biopsy the mole, meaning he will excise a small piece of the tissue and study the cells under a microscope. Some warning signs that indicate an immediate need to see a doctor are an itchy or flaking mole, one that starts oozing or bleeding, one that is painful, or one that changes in size, color or shape, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Eliminate the mole using home remedies if the doctor rules out melanoma. It is important to remember that home remedies are often not subjected to randomized trials by the medical establishment, so results are not proven and can vary dramatically. Fresh garlic cut open and attached to the mole by a bandage is one of the more widely reported remedies. Fruit juices such as pineapple and sour apple are also said to be effective on light colored moles. Apply the juice to the mole at night and wash it off in the morning. Repeat this for several days and track the progress.
Step 3
Schedule a consultation with a laser clinic to determine your eligibility for laser removal if the home remedies are unsuccessful. Most moles can be removed by lasers, but especially dark or large moles may not fade completely. Laser treatments can be expensive, and often, multiple visits are required.
Step 4
A dermatologist can remove a mole surgically if laser treatment is not an option. Sometimes, surgical excision is covered by insurance whereas laser removal is not. Check with your carrier. Surgical techniques include shaving and excising. Shaving involves a scraping of the mole tissue followed by cauterization with an electrosurgical implement. There are no stitches. Excision is the surgical removal of the mole and some of the surrounding tissue after which the wound is closed with stitches.
Things You'll Need
- Pineapple juice
- Sour apple juice
- Garlic
- Bandage
