Medically known as melanocytic nevi, moles are black, brown, or flesh-coloured spots or patches on the skin that form due to the collection of melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that produce pigment, the colouring substance also called melanin. Some moles will fade and disappear as a person ages, but not all and often not when people are most concerned with how they look.
Natural remedies are affordable, painless, and easy to follow. People mostly opt for natural ingredients as they have relatively fewer side effects unlike chemical-laden products. Here are some simple home remedies that can help you get rid of unsightly moles.
GARLIC
Garlic is one of the most effective home remedies for moles because it contains enzymes that help break down the clusters of pigment-producing cells. Plus, it helps lighten the dark pigmentation.
How to use: Crush a fresh garlic glove and place it on the mole. Secure it with a bandage and leave it on overnight, or at least for four hours. Do this daily for a few days. The mole will then fall off naturally. This method is said to give positive results with merely five days of daily application.
PINEAPPLE JUICE
Fresh pineapple juice can help lighten the pigmentation of moles, thereby making them less noticeable. Pineapple contains high levels of citric acid that can dissolve the mole.
How to use: Soak a cotton ball in pineapple juice and apply it on your mole. Leave it on overnight or until the juice dries. Do this several times a day for a few weeks or until your mole fades.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a strong natural acid that can help to remove moles by slowly burning them, causing it to ultimately scab and fall off. ACV is also known for its anti-bacterial properties; hence it also protects the area from secondary infections.
How to use: Dip a cotton ball in ACV and press it against the affected area. Hold it in place using gauze and medical tapes. Remove after an hour. Doing this once every day should get rid of your mole in about 10 days or sooner. To make this treatment even more effective, use an emery board to gently scrape the surface of the mole. Apply ACV till the area goes white and then let it dry naturally. This should allow you to burn off the mole even faster.
IODINE
A tincture of iodine can also be used to remove moles and skin tags. It triggers natural cell death and eliminates the clusters. You can get iodine tincture from a drug store.
How to use: Apply a drop of iodine on the mole directly, twice a day for a week or until the mole disappears. Make sure that the area around the mole is slathered with petroleum jelly for extra protection. The regular application will flake off the mole. Do not ingest iodine as it is toxic in nature and can cause severe health conditions. If you experience a burning sensation, discontinue using iodine.
BANANA PEELS
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that points towards banana peels as an effective treatment for moles.
How to use: Simply cut a piece of the banana peel and place it on the mole, so that the yellow part of the peel is facing outwards. Hold it in place with adhesive bandages and leave it on for at least an hour. Repeating this every day should get rid of the mole in a few weeks.