The doctor warned about the danger of removing moles by folk methods

For some, moles are a source of pride and a unique detail of appearance, while for others they are a cause of embarrassment and psychological discomfort. In an effort to improve their appearance, some people try to remove nevi (moles) on their own using questionable folk methods. However, such methods can pose a serious danger. This was announced on Monday, May 5, by Vadim Maklakov, oncodermatologist at SM Clinic, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru».

The number and nature of moles are determined by a variety of factors, including heredity, age, and environmental exposure, especially aggressive ultraviolet radiation, the specialist explained. As Maklakov pointed out, moles are formed from melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin. They can be flat or convex, have a variety of colors — from light brown to black, as well as be congenital or appear during life.

According to the doctor, most nevi are benign formations that do not pose a threat to health. However, due to aesthetic discomfort, many people try to get rid of them at home without thinking about the possible risks.

"Some people still continue to trust the advice of so-called "experts" from the Internet, who "successfully" treat any, even very serious diseases with folk remedies. <...> However, the "healers" are, of course, silent about the consequences of such self-activity. And they are quite unpleasant and even dangerous," Maklakov warned.

The source noted that it is enough to treat a large nevus with hydrogen peroxide several times to get a serious skin burn and infect the damaged area.

Moreover, if the mole is not completely removed, there is a high risk of its malignant degeneration, Maklakov emphasized.

The specialist explained that any manipulations with moles, including dermatoscopy, should be performed only under the supervision of a dermatologist or oncodermatologist. If there is a desire to get rid of the nevus for aesthetic reasons, there are safe and low-traumatic methods such as radio wave therapy (surgitron) and electrocoagulation, the doctor said.

Maklakov recalled that for a specialist in oncodermatology, it is important that the procedures performed not only have the desired effect, but also fully comply with safety requirements.

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Earlier, on March 19, oncologist Marat Verisov told how to determine a predisposition to cancer in the presence of moles. Most moles, the doctor emphasized, do not pose a health hazard, but some can degenerate into malignant tumors, in particular into melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The reason for contacting a doctor may be an increase in the size of the mole, especially rapid, its uneven and blurred edges, the appearance of new shades or uneven pigmentation.