Caring For Skin After Mole Removal
Caring For Skin After Mole Removal
Mole removal is commonly done by many people for both health and cosmetic reasons. Especially in cases when the threat of melanoma or skin cancer occur, or when the mole is on the face or another conspicuous part of the body, people often undergo one of the several methods of mole removal available.
There are different methods of mole removal, each with its own corresponding costs, benefits and chances of scarring. The fact remains that scarring is a very likely possibility after mole removal, although some are more likely to scar than others, such as in the case of surgical excision with stitches. Regardless of the type of mole removal method applied, however, following a few guidelines for the days after mole removal can help hasten healing of the wound, minimize scarring and other unpleasant effects.
Mole Removal Aftercare To Promote Healing
While there are basic differences in the methods of mole removal, the fact remains that there is still a wound left after the mole has been removed. Whether or not it has stitches or been cauterized, or scabbed (as in the case of laser surgery or use of mole removal creams), skin in this area has been subjected to trauma, and as such needs to be properly cared for in order to prevent infection– the number one cause of scarring– as well as keloids and the like. Here are a few steps on how to care for the skin post-mole removal.
Clean and disinfect the site of the mole removal. Stitches, in particular, after a mole removal procedure involving surgical excision need to be covered with clean bandage until the mole removal site heals sufficiently and the stitches are to be removed. Even in cases without stitches such as that of cautery (whether it is a result of surgery with a scalpel or merely a means to close the wound you’re burning off a mole through electrocautery), proper and regular cleaning after a mole removal procedure is still necessary to protect the new, reddish skin from infection as these are still fairly raw and prone to infection.
For procedures without stitches, you can clean the area affected by the mole removal with distilled water or diluted hydrogen peroxide twice a day, and then apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic salve or ointment prescribed by the doctor and cover with a clean bandage. While many will tell you that exposure to air may help the wound heal faster, skin damage can still be the result, particularly if exposure leaves the raw skin resulting from mole removal open to infection– one of the causes of bad scarring and keloids.
Keep skin hydrated. Dry skin is more prone to scarring, especially after mole removal and other skincare procedures, which is why skin needs to be fully hydrated at all times. Well-hydrated skin, on the other hand heals faster, and has faster skin cell regeneration. Keep your skin hydrated after mole removal by drinking plenty of water– this helps the regeneration of your skin cells and the restoration of the skin. Apply a thin layer of lightweight moisturizer over the wound and its surrounding skin to protect it from any allergens.
Use a scar treatment cream. Scar treatment and scar prevention creams can help to reduce scarring, especially after mole removal. Choose a good scar removal cream with natural ingredients such as onion extract, which is proven to be good at preventing and treating scars. Silicone sheets or silicone cream are also effective in preventing scarring after any form of mole removal procedure, and is often painless and non-invasive. Silicone sheets reduce and minimize the appearance of scars that have already formed, as well as prevent the formation of new one. Both onion juice and silicone have the benefits of preventing the formation of scar tissue– a real risk after mole removal.
Massage. For mole removal and other invasive skin procedures, massage is a good aftercare procedure as this improves the blood flow to the wound area as well as surrounding skin, which speeds up healing and skin regeneration. Massage also ensures that formation of scar tissue is kept to a minimum, which reduces the risk of mole removal scars.
Avoid the sun. One of the most important mole removal aftercare requirements next to keeping it clean and covered is to reduce or avoid sun exposure following mole removal. Wounds and newly formed skin are photosensitive–UV rays may delay the formation of new skin and cause damage to the wound and the newly developing skin tissues, thus delaying the healing process and in turn, cause scarring. Wear sunscreen with high SPF to protect the area if you really need to go out. If you cannot avoid daily activities that involve going out in the sun, make sure that the site of the mole removal is covered and your skin is protected further by a sunscreen with high SPF.
Vitamin E oil. After the stitches are out and the wound sufficiently heals after mole removal, you can also apply topical vitamin E to prevent serious scarring. Vitamin E oil helps skin remain strong and healthy, and helps prevent scars from forming. Important note: Wait until the site of the mole removal is healed and dry before applying vitamin E– If you apply vitamin E too soon, you may slow down the healing process and cause scars to develop.
