Moles are black or brown spots that can grow anywhere on the body. Removing moles at medical facilities can be costly. Therefore, many people choose to remove moles at home by using toothpaste. So is this method effective and safe?
1. Can moles be removed with toothpaste?
Toothpaste can be commonly used for many health-related purposes such as treating pimples and treating insect bites. However, there is no scientific evidence that removing moles with toothpaste is effective or safe.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you should consult a doctor to safely remove moles. The doctor will clinically and thoroughly diagnose whether the mole is benign or has the risk of malignancy (skin cancer). On the other hand, removing moles at home in general and using toothpaste in particular can improve the roughness and fading of moles on the skin, but it can pose some risks such as: Infection, scarring, permanent damage to the skin area.
SEE MORE: Should I remove moles on my face? Which method is safe at home?
2. Modern mole removal methods
Modern mole removal methods are:
2.1. Laser therapy
This therapy is performed by using a thin beam of light to whiten the base of the mole. The doctor may inject a local anesthetic so that you are not stressed or anxious during the procedure.
2.2. Cryotherapy
In this procedure, the doctor uses a narrow jet of liquid nitrogen or another coolant to freeze the skin. Depending on the size of the area being treated, you may not need anesthesia before cryotherapy.
2.3. Curettage method
This method can be used to quickly remove moles. You may or may not be given anesthesia.
3. Home remedies for removing moles
3.1. Garlic
Many people believe that applying garlic to moles for a while will cause them to shrink in size or disappear completely. The reason is that garlic contains enzymes that dissolve the cell clusters that cause moles. However, the heat of garlic can cause skin burns.
3.2. Combination with baking soda and castor oil
To remove moles, you can use a mixture of castor oil and baking soda for a few weeks, because baking soda dries the mole and castor oil has a protective effect on the skin.
3.3. Oregano oil
If you only use Oregano essential oil, it can cause discomfort to your face. Therefore, you can add a little castor oil to remove moles at home. This mixture is only effective when you apply it 2-3 times a day.
3.4. Iodine
Using a specific concentration of iodine for a few weeks helps the mole fall off. The reason is that iodine can cause heat and fade the mole. However, experts recommend that you do not apply iodine to the stretch marks because it will damage the skin.
3.5. Lemon juice
Applying lemon juice to the mole several times a day can fade this condition.
3.6. Tea oil
Green tea contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Using tea oil extract every day can make the mole fade and disappear.
3.7. Potatoes
Potatoes are said to have a natural bleaching effect. Although potatoes cannot completely remove moles, they can help fade moles over time.
3.8. Flaxseed oil
Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil contains properties that help heal wounds. At the same time, it can also help remove dark spots, acne and moles.
3.9. Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil dries the skin, causing moles to scab and automatically be removed.
3.10. Banana peels
Banana peels contain specific enzymes and acids that can help remove moles. Furthermore, banana peels can also act as a moisturizer.
3.11. Honey
Some studies have shown that honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, applying honey to moles will make them fade within a few days.
3.12. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has properties that help remove moles when applied to the skin. Before using hydrogen peroxide, you should consult a pharmacist to consider the pros and cons for the skin.
3.13. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is often used as a skin care product. Many people believe that applying aloe vera regularly will help remove moles safely. However, aloe vera can cause allergies in some cases. Therefore, if you are allergic to this product, you should not apply it.
3.14. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has many benefits for the skin, but no research has shown that it can help remove moles. However, some people believe that coconut oil will reduce the size of moles when applied daily.
4. Note when removing moles at home
For benign moles, you can remove them at home. However, moles that are at risk of malignancy (cancer) need to be diagnosed and treated by a specialist. If any unusual moles appear on your body or you want to remove a mole, the first thing to do is go to the hospital to determine if it is cancerous.
Currently on the market, there are some types of mole removal creams sold at drug stores that can cause damage and scarring on the skin. Therefore, you should not buy these products on your own. Some diabetic patients who want to remove moles should consult a doctor to safely remove this defect.
Removing moles at home can cause some skin irritation such as: redness, swelling, itching, ... When encountering any unusual symptoms, you should stop using these methods. In case you notice that the mole has a rapid change in shape, color, size, diameter larger than 1⁄4 inch, you need to go to the hospital for examination and consultation.
Each method of removing moles at home has certain potential risks and has not been thoroughly researched. Therefore, you should be careful when deciding to perform any method. It is best to go to medical facilities and hospitals to safely remove this defect, avoiding unwanted side effects.
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Reference sources: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com
