Many people have raised marks on their body, either black or brown in color, which range from the size of a pencil tip to the size of a pencil eraser. These marks are called moles. While most moles are harmless, some moles are actually cancerous and should be removed by a doctor. Although the safest way to remove any mole is removal by a doctor, there are some unverified home remedies that you can try to remove your mole.
Causes of Moles
There are various different types of skin moles.
Compound moles may be dark brown or tan colored and tend to appear raised. These moles develop in the upper and lower layers of the skin due to the cells which produce melanin.
Congenital Nevi develop at birth. These moles need to be monitored carefully as they may become cancerous.
Junctional moles appear flat initially but then become slightly raised. They may be either brown or black in color. These moles are usually benign, but seeking medical advice is still recommended.
Blue moles are raised and tend to occur on the head, neck and arms.
Sebaceous moles develop due to over-activity of the sebaceous or oil glands. They may feel rough when touched and may be yellow in color.
Derma moles usually develop on the upper body and may have hair in some cases. They are raised and may range from flesh colored to brown in color.
The skin gets its color due to the presence of a pigment known as melanin. Melanin is contained in cells called melanocytes, which are present in the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. The melanocytes are responsible for transporting melanin to the cells present on the skin’s surface. In most cases the melanin is uniformly distributed across the skin. But sometimes the melanocytes accumulate together in clusters and this lead to the appearance of moles. However the exact cause of the development of moles and the purpose they serve is unknown. Some types of moles which have an unusual appearance require careful medical attention as they have the potential to become cancerous. Such moles are usually seen on the back in both males and females.
What Moles Are Safe to Remove?
Although most moles are benign skin lesions and pose no medical risk, some may be cancerous or precancerous. Removing part or all of a cancerous or precancerous mole can lead to the mole forming a cancerous mass. Moles may be precursors to melanoma, a rare but dangerous type of cancer. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and skin disease. Before using any type of home remedy to remove a mole, it is best to see a dermatologist to evaluate the mole.
Generally, home remedies should only be used on flat moles; moles that are raised up from the skin tend to be the moles that may be precancerous or cancerous. These moles should always be removed by a specialist, since a specialist can send a sample of the mole to assess the mole’s risk of becoming cancerous. Home remedies destroy the mole tissue, making it unavailable for lab analysis. In addition, some home remedies may only remove part of a mole. Removing part of a mole may leave it susceptible to regrowing; if the mole is cancerous or precancerous, removing part of it may aggravate the mole, potentially leading to a cancerous condition.
Many people have moles that they find unsightly and that they would like to remove. Unfortunately, since most moles are cosmetic and not a medical concern, many insurance companies will not cover the costs of mole removal. Since mole removal is generally only performed by dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons, the costs can be prohibitive for people who do not have insurance or whose insurance will cover only part or none of the cost.
Some people may have apprehensions about the methods of removal, such as cutting or burning the mole off. Such methods also pose a risk of scarring or forming keloids, which are a special type of scar that is much larger and more pronounced than the original injury. Since these types of scars can be even more pronounced than the moles themselves, some of the most common mole removal techniques may be undesirable for some people. In light of these issues, some people who have moles they wish to remove may be interested in natural or home remedies of mole removal.
Most moles are not dangerous, but they can be unsightly and make you feel self-conscious. Whether you’re willing to go down the surgical route, or prefer to treat your mole at home, most moles are relatively easy to remove. If you’re eager to get rid of an unwanted mole as quickly as possible, here are some practical steps you can take.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One home remedy that actually works exceeding well for many is vinegar. Depending on how sensitive your skin layer is, you might have to dilute apple cider vinegar with normal water. Cleanse the top of the mole properly to remove any dust and oil. Dry up the mole before you employ apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and apply it on the moles. You should utilize a band aid type tape to hold the swab against the skin. Leave the cotton swab overnight. Repeat this treatment for a week.
Apple cider vinegar might hurt your skin a little and as you employ it on a regular basis a scab will get produced. Do not try to peel off the scab. Instead allow it to dry on its own and drop away. This will likely prevent scar formation.
To perform the apple cider vinegar method, wash the area with hot water, apply petroleum jelly to the area around the mole that needs to be protected from the drying effects of the vinegar, and then use a cotton swab to apply the apple cider vinegar to the mole. This process takes up to two weeks to remove the mole, with repetitions needed two to three times daily. This method usually causes a stinging or burning pain in the mole. Continue the treatment for a few days after you first feel the stinging pain. After this a scab will form, and when it falls off it will usually take the mole with it.
Garlic Might Be Effective
The other home cure to get rid of skin moles is using chopped garlic pieces or a paste. Make use of a cotton cloth to keep garlic against the affected spot. Utilize a medical skin tape to support it correctly. Employ garlic two times per day for Forty five minutes to one hour. Continual use for about a week will provide you with superb results. If there is a scab formation then don’t disturb it by trying to remove it using your hands. Allow it to dry and fall down without attention.
One disadvantage with natural home remedies is not all cures work for every single person. So you might have to experiment with a number of alternatives before you get the perfect solution for your skin moles. Next you’ll have to be patient while using natural home remedies. These medications are highly efficient but can take time to provide good results.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is particularly useful for removing raised moles. It softens the moles and loosens them around the edges so they can easily come off.
Mix enough finely ground flax seeds and honey with flaxseed oil to make a paste.
Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for at least one hour.
Follow this remedy three times a day for a few weeks.
Banana peels
Peel the peels off a banana.
Make sure that the inside of the peel is in contact with the mole.
Do this several days.
The peel theoretically will dry up the mole until it falls off.
Castor oil
Castor oil can remove moles naturally. If the mole is rather weak in appearance, apply it 3-4 times a day on the mole.
Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball in castor oil, place it on the mole and wrap it with a bandage.
If the mole is quite large in size, then you will have to combine castor oil with baking soda. Make a paste and apply on the mole and cover with a bandage. Repeat regularly for best results.
Honey
Did you know honey can help you get rid of moles, too?
When honey is at room temperature, apply it to the mole and cover with a bandage. Repeat this procedure twice daily and leave the mole covered at all times.
Pineapple and grapefruit
Make a thick paste of pineapple and grapefruit.
Apply the paste on the moles. The enzymes in the dough help break the mole and destroy it afterwards.
You can also use pineapple and grapefruit juice as well. You should repeat this home remedy to remove moles at least 2 to 3 times a day.
Potatoes
If you still have problems trying to get rid of the moles on your body, then try using potatoes.
Cut a potato in half and rub it on the mole. Repeat twice daily to eradicate completely. Another method involves placing a small piece of potato on the mole and cover with a bandage.
Leave it there for 5 to 7 days until the potato is broken. As the potato decomposes, the mole will also fall.
Onion
The other natural kitchen food that you can use to hep even out your skin tone.. is onion. Using the same method, squeeze some onion juice out from the onions and apply it onto your affected area.
Baking soda and caster oil
make a paste with a pinch of baking soda and couple of drops of caster oil and apply to the mole overnight. Repeat every night until the moles disappear.
Tincture of Iodine
a nightly application of this tincture over 2 to 3 days will see the gradual disappearance of your mole.
Roasted pomegranate fruit and lime juice
mix equal amounts of these 2 ingredients into a paste and apply to your moles for several nights running.
Aloe Vera gel – use by applying to a mole with a cotton bandage and leave for 3 hours so that it is completely absorbed. Then apply more using a fresh bandage. After several weeks, the moles will have gone.
Use home remedies responsibly.
There are numerous home remedies designed to get rid of moles using natural ingredients. Though there is little science to back up some of the treatments, many people will attest to their effectiveness. Just be careful when using acidic natural juices, which have the potential to burn the skin. To use home remedies safely but effectively, apply the natural juices at least once and a maximum of three times a day.
If you have very sensitive skin, only let the juices sit on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, to prevent it from becoming irritated.
Try applying a little petroleum jelly to the skin around the mole. This will prevent it from becoming unnecessarily irritated by the mole treatments.
The length of time it takes for a mole to lighten or disappear will differ from one person to another.
Be aware that home remedies are not likely to work as quickly or be as effective as surgical removal or stronger medical creams, but are a good option if you are looking for either a cost-free solution or a natural remedy.
Hopefully one of these skin mole removal treatments will help you get rid of your moles forever!
Be sure to use these home remedies regularly. They may take time, in some cases, just be patient and continue using the mole treatments.
If the moles refuse to go away, then you should seek medical help to get rid of moles.