Generally, moles are harmless growths that can appear anywhere on your skin. Unless the appearance of a mole bothers you, there’s nothing to worry about. However, you can seek treatment if you feel that it is lowering your esteem or it irritates when it rubs on the skin. If you have a mole in New York, a team of specialists at Manhattan Dermatology can help eliminate your problem. Below are popular DIY methods to remove moles and the risks that may arise when you do not get professional help.
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Home DIY tips to skin mole removal
Some people may consider home-based solutions to mole removal either to save on consultation cost or for convenience. However, before you cut off the mole or use an over-the-counter cream, it is vital to understand the risks. Talk to your specialist before you try the home-based solutions to mole removal.
Some DIY tips can work in some instances where the mole is harmless. Burning the mole with cider vinegar, garlic, and iodine is effective in killing the cells. Also, you can cut it off with a razor blade or scissors. Other methods include using banana peels, tea tree oil, aloe vera, flaxseed, and more.
In addition, you can buy an over-the-counter cream from the pharmacy and run on the affected area. Another option is to conceal the skin mole with make-up.
The risk of home-based skin mole removal
Although home-based solutions are cheap, there are some inherent risks that you need to be aware of. First of all, over-the-counter creams can burn your skin and cause scars. Besides, cutting the moles is risky, especially if the tool is not properly sterilized. It can cause an infection and lead to a scar on the area where the mole was.
A major risk is when the skin mole has cancerous cells and, when cut, it can spread to other areas of the body and is life-threatening.
When to see a doctor
Whether you are considering a home-based solution to mole removal, it’s vital to see a specialist when you notice any changes in your mole. For example, if the mole changes in shape, color, or size, it can be a sign of skin cancer, and more tests are needed to make a conclusive diagnosis.
The doctor starts by removing a tiny piece of the mole and carries out a biopsy. This test is essential in determining whether the mole is cancerous. If the test turns out positive, the doctor refers you to an oncologist for cancer treatment.
However, if it’s negative, your specialist may apply one of two techniques to eliminate the mole.
Surgical excision involves numbing the treatment area and cutting off the mole. After that, the dermatologist stitches the area to close the wound.
A surgical shave involves numbing the area and shaving the site with a blade. There’s no need to stitch the area.
Both treatments are walk-in procedures with no need for a hospital stay. There are no side effects and mole removal does not affect your daily activities.
If you are concerned about a mole on the skin, you can see a specialist for safe removal. Contact the experts at Manhattan Dermatology for review and treatment.