Now that spring is here it is a good time to think about dealing with those pesky little moles that have been bothering you for quite some time. No, we’re not talking about the critters that make a nuisance of themselves in your lawn; were talking about those unsightly brown blemishes that appear on the skin as a person gradually ages. Spring is a great time to deal with them because the month of May just happens to be Melanoma Awareness Month.
As a means of raising awareness of skin cancer and helping to prevent severe cases, dermatologists around the country offer free mole screenings during the month of May. The screenings are intended to put the minds of cancer-free patients at ease while also providing early detection for those who do show malignancies. Please keep in mind that the vast majority of all skin the moles are not cancerous in any way; nor will they become cancerous. You only need to worry if a given mole suddenly changes color, shape, or texture, or begins to ooze.
Provided your dermatologist has ruled out skin cancer, moles are completely harmless. At most they are an unsightly inconvenience that might make you self-conscious about the way you look. If so, that’s okay. There are a couple of options available for getting rid of them. Which option you choose will depend on your pain tolerance, how you feel about outpatient surgery, and how much money you want to spend.
The first option is one of outpatient surgery at a dermatologist’s office. Although most people choose not to go this route, it is available if you want it. In this procedure your doctor will apply a local anesthetic, extract the mole with a scalpel, and apply a bandage which should remain on until healing is complete. Surgery is usually successful but does come with several disadvantages. They include:
If you want to get rid of your moles in a way that is both relatively painless and noninvasive you might try an over-the-counter topical cream. There are a couple of excellent creams on the market that do a very good job in removing moles for most people; you can get them online or at your local drug store. They are easy to use, pose no danger of toxicity, and only cause a minor and temporary stinging sensation rather than the full-blown pain of outpatient surgery. If used properly they can typically remove most moles within 7 to 10 days.
Regardless of how you attempt to deal with your moles always consult with your doctor first. If you should decide to use a home remedy be careful to follow the instructions exactly as printed. As long as you do, you should experience no complications.
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