How To Get Rid of Moles on Skin
- Posted on: Jan 21 2022
Moles are very common skin growths. You likely have a few of them on your face or body. Most moles are harmless, and many don’t require removal unless they’re cancerous. However, if a mole is frequently causing irritation from rubbing against your clothes or if you don’t like how a mole affects your appearance, mole removal is an option!
How Can I Tell If a Mole Is Cancerous?
Although most moles don’t pose a health risk, you shouldn’t ignore the ones that you have. It’s important to understand when the appearance of a mole could indicate a serious problem. Our dermatologists recommend performing regular skin checks at home to help you become familiar with the moles that you have on your body. Once you know what your moles normally look like, it’s easier for you to identify anything that appears abnormal.
Pay attention to any new moles that develop or any moles that change in shape, color, or size. Moles that itch or bleed can also be a sign of skin cancer. When examining your skin, follow the ABCDE mole guidelines listed below. If you have any moles that meet these characteristics, schedule an appointment at Asarch Dermatology as soon as possible.
- Asymmetry: Look for moles that have an irregular shape or two halves that look different.
- Border: Normal moles have smooth, even borders, but moles with a jagged or uneven border could be a sign of skin cancer.
- Color: Pay attention to moles that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color, including shades of black, brown, tan, blue, red, or white.
- Diameter: Check for moles that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: Any moles that change in appearance over time should be examined by a dermatologist. This includes any changes in color, size, or shape.
In addition to regularly checking your skin at home, see a dermatologist for a yearly skin cancer screening. This annual screening is crucial for the early detection and diagnosis of skin cancer. Detecting skin cancer early is essential to successful treatment. During this routine skin exam, your Asarch dermatologist will carefully examine your skin and moles to identify any signs of skin cancer.
How to Get Rid of Moles on Skin
There are several techniques available for removing moles. At Asarch Dermatology, we perform these mole-removal procedures during an office visit. Options for removing moles include:
- Freezing: During this treatment, your dermatologist will apply a small amount of liquid nitrogen directly to the mole. This targets the damaged skin cells and destroys them.
- Burning: This procedure involves using an electric current to burn off several layers of skin. More than one treatment session may be needed to completely remove the mole.
- Shaving: Before shaving off an unwanted mole, your dermatologist will numb the area first. Then, a surgical blade is used to carefully remove the mole from the surface of the skin.
- Excision: Excision is the process of surgically removing a mole, and it’s usually recommended for cancerous moles. After numbing the treatment area, your dermatologist uses a scalpel to cut out the entire mole. The skin is closed with stitches, and the cells are examined under a microscope to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed.
Talk with your Asarch dermatologist about which moles you’d like removed and if you’ve noticed any changes in their appearance. Your dermatologist will recommend the mole-removal method that’s right for you.
Can Moles Be Removed at Home?
Although removing your own moles at home might seem easier and more convenient, attempting mole removal on your own can be dangerous. While you may find DIY and over-the-counter products that claim to freeze, dissolve, or burn off unwanted moles, these products aren’t effective and can damage your skin and increase your risk of bleeding, scarring, and infection. If the mole you’re attempting to remove is cancerous, it’s possible for the cancer cells to stay in the skin and even spread throughout the body.
Mole removal should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist has the training and expertise needed to determine if a mole is cancerous or if it’s a healthy mole that doesn’t pose any health risks. A dermatologist also has the best tools and methods for safe mole removal, which can greatly reduce your risk of scarring and other complications.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of a mole or want to schedule your annual skin cancer screening, contact us to make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists at Asarch Dermatology. We have three convenient office locations in Lakewood, Castle Rock, and Englewood, Colorado.
Posted in: Skin Cancer, Skin Care