The Ultimate Beauty Guide

As a doctor who specialises in mole removal for aesthetic reasons I see many patients who have been tempted by home remedies and do it yourself mole removal solutions. The temptation is quite obvious as the so called ‘treatments’ are not only portrayed as quick, simple and easy but are also invariably free or cheap.  Some patients of mine are often embarrassed to mention they have tried home treatments and other DIY cures with results ranging from ineffective to those that are extremely dangerous and in some cases left with severe scarring.

I can understand why patients are keen to get rid of their bothersome moles; whether it is for cosmetic reasons (not liking the look of them), practical reasons (e.g. where they catch on clothes) or simply peace of mind where the mole is causing any concern.

The great benefit of the internet is the vast amount of information available, enabling people to research any topic under the sun. Unfortunately, that information is not always correct… A quick Google search on DIY mole removal reveals some staggering suggestions.

1. “Tying” a Mole Off

The method is to restrict the blood flow to a mole by tying it very tightly around the base with thread or dental floss. The idea is that the mole will fill with blood, dry up and then fall off.

This concept should be approached with caution. While it actually can work for skin tags, there are still risks around the possibility of infection. Where cotton thread is used, this can become wedged into the skin without finishing the job leaving a much bigger scar after surgical removal.

Moreover, when it comes to moles professional laser or surgical removal is the best option for complete removal and this process should always include mole testing. Tackling moles at home, no matter how harmless they may appear, misses this vital precautionary step which can highlight any abnormal or malignant cells. This point applies throughout all DIY mole removal methods and myths and is the number one reason why home mole removal should be left alone.

2. Creams, Lotions and Solutions

The internet also has a plethora of ready-made mole removal products which claim to lead to mole removal.

Again, approach these with extreme caution. These products are designed on a similar basis (or sometimes the same) as wart and verruca removal. The mole removal cures often suggest filing or scratching the top of the mole to ensure the acid is able to penetrate. However, true moles are very different in nature. Mole skin is quite sensitive and this can be painful and some patients have been left with scarring. In addition, the scratching process can be quite harmful to the mole itself.

Again, this approach completely misses the vital mole testing – patients could be missing the first signs of skin cancer.

3. Mole Lightening Products

Essentially acid or alkali based bleaching agents, mole lightening products are creams and potions that seek to remove the pigment from moles so that they are still there but much less obvious visually.

However, those bleaching agents available over the internet may not meet British safety standards. If they are too strong they could burn the skin and cause lasting damage.

Once again, the point applies that home removal does not include mole testing…

4. “Natural” Home Mole Removal

The principle here is again external application but based on common household foods. Some of these “cures” are designed to fade the colour of the mole; others claim to remove it altogether. These home remedies mimic the acid or alkali based products available over the internet by causing a chemical burn to the skin in order to remove the coloration and or mole itself.

Suggestions include rubbing the mole several times a day with lemon juice, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, cauliflower juice, pineapple juice, castor oil or honey. Other ideas are strapping a slice of onion or garlic over the mole underneath a sticking plaster. The most bizarre involves strapping urine-soaked cotton wool to the mole beneath a plaster, having first scratched the mole so that it can penetrate.

This area seems increasingly desperate. At best, the patient risks wasting time and facing the embarrassment and ridicule of their friends and family. However, they also risk irritation, infection and scarring.

At worst, as with all home cures, the risk of NOT having proper mole testing is the greatest of all. Some of the websites do mention that suspicious moles should be examined by a professional, though this is often in small print.