Mollified by Moles? Try These Safe, Effective At-Home Removal Solutions

For some people, a mole is merely one of many distinct features that helps to enhance their appearance and add a unique appeal. Other people, however, may feel differently by the presence of one or more moles on their face or body and desperately want to do away with them.  If you would like to rid yourself of a mole that you find unflattering or uncomfortable to live with, you may be surprised to know that your home's pantry or medicine chest may already hold a safe, effective removal solution. 

From the pantry

Many of the same ingredients used for cooking have potential for use in removing moles, due to enzymes, acids or other substances they contain. A few of the most common pantry mole removal possibilities are listed below, along with basic instructions for using them for this purpose. 

• Garlic cloves—Slice a single garlic clove in half and use a bandage or wound tape to hold the cut side directly onto the surface of the mole overnight until the mole disappears. This works due to enzymes in the garlic that affect the cells of the mole and in some cases, the skin, as well, so if skin irritation develops in the treated area, discontinue the treatment and consult your medical professional.
• Bananas—Cut a small square of ripened banana peel, slightly smaller than the pad of an adhesive bandage, place it on the adhesive bandage so that the yellow side of the peel will not touch the mole and secure the bandage to the mole daily until the mole fades or disappears.
• Apple cider vinegar—An anti-bacterial, acidic liquid, apple cider vinegar should be applied by soaking a small bandage or cotton ball with vinegar and then taping it firmly onto the mole using wound tape or adhesive bandages for one hour per day. Avoid using artificially flavored apple cider vinegar and instead, choose an organic one that contains the "mother" to receive the full acidic effect.
• Flax seeds and organic honey—With the ability to loosen some types of moles, especially those with raised surfaces, flax seeds can be finely ground into a paste using a spice or coffee grinder, mixed with organic honey to form a paste, then applied to the mole and covered with an adhesive bandage for up to an hour, three times per day for several weeks or until the mole is gone.

From the medicine chest

In addition to ingredients from your pantry, you may also have something in your home medicine chest that is capable of removing moles, including the following: 

• Iodine—To use iodine, clean and dry the area and then carefully apply a coating of petroleum jelly around the mole before applying a single drop of iodine directly to the mole and covering it with an adhesive bandage each day until the mole disappears, usually within 10-14 days.
• Tea tree oil—An anti-bacterial, tea tree oil can be applied directly to the surface of the mole and covered with an adhesive bandage, up to twice per day for up to a month. Since tea tree oil can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, it is important to check for possible sensitivity before using it to treat moles by applying a small drop to your skin and waiting a bit to ensure that there is no prolonged discomfort.

To be safe, remember that some moles are not just a cosmetic issue and may be cancerous or apt to become cancerous in the future. Before attempting to remove any mole with any home remedy or commercially available product, remember to have the mole examined by resources like Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists to ensure that it is benign. In most cases, moles are not cancerous, but for those that are, treatment is most successful when diagnosed early and treated aggressively.