How to Remove Moles Without Surgery

Moles are clusters of pigment-producing cells that can appear anywhere on the skin – either alone or in groups – in shades of tan, brown, black, or skin color. If you have a mole you'd like to remove, the safest and most effective way is to consult a doctor for professional removal. For benign moles that are not cancerous, it is a simple outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes. Attempting to remove a mole yourself can lead to bleeding, infection, and scarring, not to mention the risk of not detecting a potentially cancerous mole. If you're absolutely opposed to surgery, consider trying unproven at-home treatments to fade the mole.

See a dermatologist. Choosing to safely remove a mole will prevent any regrets. It is crucial to visit a doctor for a proper examination instead of attempting at-home removal, even for cosmetic reasons. The doctor will determine whether the mole could be cancerous. If it is, a professional removal method will be the only safe option, as other methods cannot address cancerous cells.

• If you don't know a dermatologist, ask your family doctor for a referral.
• If you don't have insurance, visit local healthcare facilities that offer mole removal services or ask them for recommendations.
• Keep in mind that some doctors can perform mole removal in their clinics.

Determine if a biopsy is necessary. When you visit the doctor, they will examine the shape, size, color, borders, and surface texture of the mole to assess whether it could be cancerous. If your mole displays common signs of melanoma or another form of skin cancer, the doctor will recommend a biopsy to check for cancer cells. If not, the mole will be removed. Typically, even if the mole appears non-cancerous, it will be sent for analysis.

• If a biopsy is required, they will collect a sample from the mole using scraping or suction methods. The sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
• If the result is positive, you will need further treatment. If negative, you can choose whether to keep the mole or have it removed.

Consider mole scraping. This technique involves scraping the mole off the skin's surface. Local anesthesia will be applied to the skin around the mole to numb the area, so you won't feel pain during the procedure (only a slight pinching sensation). The scraping method doesn’t require stitches but may leave a small scar.

• In some cases, the skin around the mole may be cauterized with a special tool to remove layers of skin and reduce the risk of the mole growing back.
• This method is typically used for small, non-cancerous moles. Larger moles are harder to scrape or cauterize effectively.

Undergo mole excision if necessary. For cancerous moles or those that are large in size, surgical excision is typically required. After applying local anesthesia, the dermatologist will make an incision to remove the mole along with surrounding tissue to prevent it from growing back. The wound will then be sutured using fine stitches.

• Although it sounds major, mole excision is actually a quick outpatient procedure that usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the mole's size.
• Since only local anesthesia is used, you can drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately.
• Make sure to follow post-procedure care instructions. You may need to return to the clinic to have the stitches removed.
• Remember, the incision from this procedure is very small. If hair grows over the mole, the doctor will remove the hair follicle’s root.

Consider cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is another common method for mole removal. This procedure involves freezing the mole using liquid nitrogen. It’s a widely used treatment with minimal side effects, usually lasting only a short time if they occur.

• A general practitioner or dermatologist can perform cryotherapy in their office. Some clinics may also have trained nurses carry out the procedure.
• Note that in cryotherapy, the tissue is not sent for testing because it is frozen and discarded.

Consider laser mole removal. Some dermatologists also use lasers to remove moles. Ask your doctor if this method is suitable for your case.

Ask about electrosurgical methods. This is another option for mole removal that you can discuss with your doctor. This method can control bleeding, thereby reducing the risk of complications, promoting faster healing, and minimizing scarring.

Avoid using mole removal creams. These creams are often marketed online as a non-invasive and affordable alternative to surgery. In reality, mole removal creams can leave deep, pitted scars. This happens because the cream penetrates the mole, affecting the underlying skin layers and causing irreparable damage. Compared to surgery, the scars from these creams are much more noticeable.

• Additionally, mole removal creams can't help you identify cancerous moles. It can be dangerous to apply the cream to a cancerous mole; the cancerous cells could remain and spread without you even knowing.
• Do not use any cream or product without consulting your doctor first.

Do not ignore moles that are changing. If you don't want surgery to remove a mole, it's best to leave it alone and forget about it. Typically, this is fine unless you notice any changes in the mole. Changes in the mole may indicate the presence of cancer cells, so you should see a doctor for an evaluation. You can refer to the ABCDE guidelines below to check your mole. If you notice any of the following signs, make an appointment with your doctor:

• A stands for asymmetrical shape. If the mole has two halves that look completely different, it could be a sign of cancer.
• B stands for border. Watch for moles with irregular borders rather than smooth edges.
• C stands for color. Moles that change color, have multiple colors, or vary in shade need to be checked carefully.
• D stands for diameter. If the mole is larger than 0.6 cm and continues to grow, consult a doctor.
• E stands for evolving. Watch for any changes in the mole over the course of weeks or months.

Protect your skin from UV rays to prevent new moles from forming. New moles can appear when your skin is exposed to the sun's rays. This also increases the risk of existing moles changing and developing into cancer. You need to protect your skin from UV rays to prevent new moles and maintain the condition of existing ones.

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even in the winter. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant.
• Try covering your moles with hats or clothing.
• Avoid using tanning beds.

Lưu ý rằng không có bằng chứng y học nào chứng minh tính hiệu quả của các liệu pháp tại nhà. Hầu hết các liệu pháp tại nhà dựa trên kinh nghiệm dân gian, tức là theo lời kể của những người đã từng thử áp dụng và thành công. Tuy nhiên, việc xử lý nốt ruồi tại nhà có thể không an toàn và có rủi ro cao. Nốt ruồi mà bạn muốn loại bỏ có thể thuộc loại gây ung thư và phải được điều trị y tế. Bạn cần trao đổi với bác sĩ trước khi thử các liệu pháp tại nhà.

Thoa lô hội. Lô hội thường được sử dụng để điều trị một số vấn đề về da, chẳng hạn như mụn giộp môi, vảy nến, bỏng và bỏng lạnh. Bạn có thể thử dùng lô hội hàng ngày xem có giúp xoá được nốt ruồi không. Bôi lô hội lên nốt ruồi, băng lại bằng gạc sạch và để yên trong 3 giờ. Lặp lại hàng ngày trong 3 tuần để loại bỏ nốt ruồi.

Thử dùng giấm táo. Mặc dù không có nghiên cứu khoa học nào xác nhận rằng liệu pháp này có hiệu quả, nhưng một số người nhận thấy giấm táo có thể làm mờ nốt ruồi. Cách thực hiện như sau:

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Sử dụng tỏi. Tỏi có nhiều công dụng chữa bệnh, và một số người cho rằng tỏi có thể xoá được nốt ruồi. Nếu muốn thử áp dụng liệu pháp này, bạn cần dùng tỏi tươi, không dùng tỏi khô. Cách làm như sau:

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Using banana peels. Some claim that applying banana peels can help remove moles. At the very least, banana peels are known for their moisturizing properties for the skin.

• Peel a banana.
• Place the peel over the mole for 1 hour.
• Repeat daily until the mole disappears. Stop if skin irritation occurs.

Try using baking soda and castor oil. Add a few drops of castor oil to a pinch of baking soda to dampen it. Dab this mixture onto the mole and leave it overnight. Check after a few days to see if the mole has faded. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.

Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for treating various skin issues like acne, fungal infections, and insect bites, so you might consider trying it to remove moles. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil to the mole twice a day. At night, you can soak cotton in tea tree oil and place a bandage over the mole. Continue for a month or until the mole fades. However, be cautious, as tea tree oil can burn the skin if applied daily. Stop if any irritation appears.

• You can trim the hair growing on a mole using small scissors.
• If you use garlic to remove a mole, consider applying a little Vaseline or ointment around the mole to prevent the garlic from irritating your skin.
• Sometimes moles have their own charm! Try to accept and love your mole. There's no need to remove it unless you're concerned it could be cancerous.
• Note that some people are more prone to developing moles than others. Some moles become familiar over time, while others can be uncomfortable. For example, if a mole on your face has hair growing from it, it might get worse over time, and you may want to consult a doctor to have it removed.
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor if the mole starts growing, itching, or bleeding.

• Avoid using vinegar or other acids to remove moles on your own. This can result in chemical burns and permanent skin damage. It is recommended to visit a doctor for assistance.
• Do not pick or scratch at the mole. It may bleed, and if it falls off, it can leave a scar with no guarantee that the mole won't regrow. Additionally, the skin in that area may become irritated, leading to the formation of new moles.
• Never attempt to remove a mole by cutting it at home. Deeper moles will require stitches to close the wound, making medical treatment necessary.