The Hidden Dangers: Why Picking At Moles Can Be Risky Business

In the quest for perfect skin, numerous individuals attempt to eliminate imperfections like moles using home remedies. What may appear as an innocent effort to achieve flawless skin can lead to severe repercussions. Picking at moles has become a widespread practice among people looking for quick solutions, yet it comes with substantial risks to your well-being.

In this article, we will explore 5 key points highlighting the risks associated with mole picking.

1. Risk of Infection

Moles are made up of clusters of pigmented cells and disrupting them without proper sterile equipment can lead to infections.

When wounds are exposed, they create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. This can result in discomforting infections, marked by swelling, redness, and, in some instances, discharge. In severe situations, these infections may escalate, necessitating medical attention and intervention.

2. Bleeding and Scarring

Moles have a network of blood vessels, and picking at them can result in profuse bleeding. Attempting to remove a mole without professional guidance can lead to excessive blood loss and leave behind unsightly scars. Moles, when removed improperly, may not heal properly, leaving you with a permanent reminder of your attempts at mole removal.

3. Misdiagnosis of Skin Cancer

Moles are often harmless, but they can also be an early sign of skin cancer.

Picking at a mole can change how it looks, creating challenges for medical experts to provide an accurate diagnosis. Postponing the identification and management of skin cancer can pose a serious risk to one’s life. Seeking guidance from a professional is essential for a thorough assessment and diagnosis if you observe any changes in your moles – which is a key sign you should opt for removal.

4. Pain and Discomfort

Picking at moles can be painful, especially if done without professional guidance. The sensitive nerve endings in the skin can cause significant discomfort during and after the picking process. Pain, coupled with the risk of infection, can make the healing process much more uncomfortable and prolonged.

5. Potential Regrowth and Complications

Moles have roots that extend beneath the surface of the skin. Picking at a mole without removing its root completely can lead to regrowth. Moreover, attempting to remove a mole at home can cause complications such as excessive bleeding, allergic reactions to makeshift removal methods, and in some cases, even worsening the appearance of the mole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attempting to remove moles at home is a risky endeavor that can lead to various complications. It is essential to prioritize your health and safety by seeking professional help from dermatologists and qualified healthcare providers.

Say goodbye to mole-related worries with The Clifford Clinic

The Clifford Clinic offers expert raised and flat mole removal services conducted by experienced professionals in a safe and sterile environment.

As a respected aesthetic clinic, our skilled doctors possess extensive expertise in performing safe and professional mole removal procedures. Collaborating with Singapore General Hospital’s advanced pathology labs, we not only assist you in locating and evaluating moles but also provide early-stage skin cancer detection services, enabling prompt initiation of necessary treatments.

At The Clifford Clinic, we offer 2 primary surgical techniques for mole removal:

• Shave excision: This method involves delicately shaving the surface of the mole with a surgical knife. It is an excellent choice for raised moles as it does not require sutures. The resulting scab typically heals within one to two weeks.
• Surgical excision: In this procedure, the doctor removes the entire mole and any deeper moles located beneath the subcutaneous fat layer after administering local anesthesia. Surgical excision is slightly more invasive than shave excision, and sutures are needed to close the wound. These sutures are removed after a healing period of 10 to 14 days.

The most suitable treatment option is determined based on the size, depth, and characteristics of your mole. Surgical removal is essential for identifying aggressive and advanced skin cancer cases, making it the most effective treatment for malignant moles that have penetrated the epidermis.

If you’re worried about cancer, you may consider our Cancer Screening Program.

Don’t compromise your health and risk permanent damage by attempting to remove moles on your own. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.