How to Get Rid of Flat Moles: A Complete Guide
Flat moles, while generally harmless, can be a cosmetic worry for many. If you’re wondering how to get rid of flat moles safely and effectively, you’re in the right place. In this guide we’ll cover mole removal options, focusing on professional treatments and busting some common myths about home remedies.
What are Flat Moles
Flat moles, also known as junctional nevi, are common growths that appear as dark brown or black spots on the skin’s surface. Most moles are benign but it’s important to monitor them for any changes that could be skin cancer. Benign moles are generally non-cancerous and removal is often safe but you need to differentiate them from cancerous moles.
Watch out for:
- Changes in shape or uneven appearance
- Color changes or multiple colors in a mole
- Itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
- Increase in size or elevation from the skin
If you notice any of these changes, seek medical attention immediately.
What are Flat Moles
Flat moles are a type of mole that lies flat against the skin, not raised like other moles. They are usually brown or black and can be anywhere on the body. Flat moles are generally harmless but it’s important to monitor them for any changes in size, shape or color as these can be a sign of skin cancer.
Types of Moles
Moles can be classified into several types:
- Common Moles (Nevus Spilus): These are the most common moles, they can be anywhere on the body. They are small to round in size and uniform in color from light tan to dark brown.
- Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi): These moles are larger, formed differently and colored differently from common moles. They have a light border and a dark brown core and are thought to be more likely to become melanoma (skin cancer).
- Congenital Moles: These are birthmarks that can vary in size and color. Larger congenital moles have slightly higher chance of becoming melanoma.
- Acquired Moles: These are the most common type of moles, they appear after birth. They can change size, shape or color over time.
- Junctional Moles: These moles are flat and usually brown. They are at the junction of the epidermis and dermis.
- Intradermal Moles: These moles are flesh-colored, elevated or slightly pink. They appear in maturity and may lose their color over time.
- Blue Moles: These moles are black or dark blue in color. They can be anywhere on the body and more common in older people.
- Halo Moles: These moles have a pale white halo surrounding the mole. They occur when the body’s immune system attacks the melanocytes within the mole.
- Spitz Moles: These moles are raised, red or pink and can look like melanoma. They are more common in children and adolescents but can also occur in adults.
- Mongolian Spots: These are a type of birthmark not mole. They are blue-gray in color and usually develop on the lower back or buttocks.
Cancerous Moles and Skin Cancer
Cancerous moles are moles that have become malignant and can spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is a serious health issue that needs immediate attention. If you notice any changes in your moles such as increase in size, change in shape or color or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. A biopsy may be required to determine if the mole is cancerous. Removing a cancerous mole is a medical necessity to prevent the spread of cancer.
Here are the signs of skin cancer:
- Asymmetry: If the mole is not symmetrical, it could be skin cancer.
- Border: A mole with irregular border could be skin cancer.
- Color: A mole with multiple colors or unusual color could be skin cancer.
- Diameter: A mole that is larger than 6mm in diameter could be skin cancer.
- Evolving: If the mole is changing in size, shape or color, it could be skin cancer.If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can save lives.
Professional Mole Removal Treatments
When it comes to removing flat moles safely, professional treatments offer the best results. Professional mole removal involves various techniques to remove moles, more than home remedies.
Laser Mole Removal
Laser mole removal is popular for flat moles, especially on the face. This non-invasive procedure uses focused light radiation to break down the pigment in the mole.
Laser mole removal benefits:
- Minimal scarring
- Precision targeting of mole tissue
- Quick procedure (5-10 minutes per mole)
- Suitable for cosmetic mole removal
Surgical Excision
For larger moles or cancerous ones, surgical excision is recommended. This procedure involves cutting out the entire mole and a portion of surrounding skin under local anesthesia. Surgical excision is one of the main mole removal methods, more effective than home remedies.
Surgical excision advantages:
- Complete removal of the mole
- Allows for histological examination to rule out skin cancer
- Suitable for deep or cancerous moles
Shave Excision
Shave excision is for smaller, non-cancerous moles. It’s important to consult a professional before any mole removal treatment to ensure safety and appropriateness. This involves shaving off the mole while leaving the surrounding skin intact.
Shave excision benefits:
- Less invasive than full surgical excision
- Minimal scarring
- Quick recovery time
Cryotherapy
Less common for flat moles, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove moles. There are various ways to remove a mole and it’s important to consult a doctor before attempting any removal. This is more commonly used for raised moles and skin tags.
Why Professional Treatment is Important
It’s important to emphasise that mole removal should always be done by a qualified healthcare professional. Removing a mole involves various methods and it’s important to consult a dermatologist before attempting removal. Removing moles at home can lead to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Incomplete removal which can allow cancerous cells to spread
- Misdiagnosis of cancerous moles
Home Remedies: Fact Vs Fiction
While there are many home remedies for mole removal online, it’s important to note that these are not scientifically proven and can be harmful. Tea tree oil is a well-researched essential oil with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties but its effectiveness in mole removal is unproven and toxic if ingested.
Do not try these unproven home remedies:
- Cutting moles with scissors or blades
- Burning moles with apple cider vinegar
- Applying garlic, iodine or other substances to “kill” mole cells
- Using mole removal creams or pens
These can cause scarring, infection and even mask skin cancer signs.
Conclusion
When it comes to flat moles, professional treatments offer the best solutions. Laser mole removal, surgical excision and other medical procedures provide precise and controlled removal and allows examination of the mole tissue.
If you have a mole or want cosmetic mole removal, consult a dermatologist or skincare professional. They will assess your moles, recommend the best removal method and ensure your skin’s safety and health throughout the process.
Remember, your skin’s health is top priority. Always go professional when it comes to mole removal and skin cancer prevention.
