Moles are all spots on the skin that differ in color. Meanwhile, moles or nevi - the medical name - are accumulations of melanocytes - pigment cells - on the skin. Papillomas, hemangiomas and other formations of an organic, traumatic or other nature have nothing to do with them.
Often, when asked whether moles can be removed, ordinary people give a negative answer. They believe that a mole is a sign of fate; their location can predict the future.
Oncologists believe that if a nevus interferes, causes inconvenience, or is a cosmetic defect, it is imperative to get rid of it. And if you ask whether it is dangerous to remove moles, the answer will be unequivocal: “No, if this is done under the supervision of a doctor, after examinations.”
Products for removing papillomas
Pigment spots are removed using the same drugs that are used to eliminate HPV formations - papillomas.
The most effective and popular drugs from the pharmacy are:
- Collomak is a solution with keratolytic properties. Getting on the surface of a mole, it provokes tissue softening. Apply 1 drop of the drug twice a day for 3 to 5 days. Can be applied to the skin of the following parts of the body: face, neck, intimate area.
- Stefalin is a herbal-based ointment. The drug causes a lot of controversy. On the one hand, according to consumer reviews, the effect of use is quite positive - the mole completely disappears from the surface of the skin. On the other hand, there is no information about the manufacturer of the product and clinical studies of this medicine.
- Supercelandine is a drug that has nothing to do with the medicinal plant; it contains a mixture of alkalis. When applying the solution to the formation, it starts the process of tissue necrosis.
- Dermavit is a product for removing skin lesions. Quickly and almost completely eliminates any growths. Apply Dermavit to the damaged area, avoiding contact with healthy skin. May cause minor irritation in nearby areas. The course of treatment is 1 – 1.5 weeks.
- Mountain celandine is an extract of medicinal celandine extract. Produces a cauterizing effect. Effective for eliminating growths on sensitive areas of the skin. Contact of the substance with mucous membranes and eyes is unacceptable.
- Cryopharma, Wartnerkrio – aerosols for cryodestruction. Analogue of liquid nitrogen. The drug contains special chemical compounds that, upon contact with the formation, lower the temperature of the treated area. The cells gradually break down and die. Complete elimination of the mole can be observed 2 weeks after application of the product.
- Aldara is a drug for eliminating skin growths. The active substance Imiquimod has a destructive effect on the mole, thereby causing its complete death. When used, a local inflammatory reaction is possible, which disappears during treatment.
It is not advisable to use products like Verrucacid or Ferozol to remove moles. In the instructions for the drugs, nevi are in the list of contraindications.
When using any topical products, you should consult your doctor. If the doctor approves such an event, before the procedure you need to carefully read the instructions for the medicine and make sure there are no contraindications. Safety precautions should be taken: protect hands and healthy skin from contact with the product.
Those who do not welcome pharmaceutical drugs can use traditional methods of removing age spots. For these purposes, traditional healers recommend using vinegar, iodine, and celandine juice. Such recipes should be discussed with your doctor before using them.
Currently, the pharmaceutical industry market offers an abundance of drugs to combat the disease. Their action is based on the destruction of molecular bonds of formation, preventing the fission process. This leads to gradual necrosis of the papilloma. Among all the medicines presented in the pharmacy, there are:
- cryopreparations;
- herbal medicines;
- medications for removing papillomas.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
Each of these means has its own advantages.
Types of neoplasms
The most common types of nevus include the following:
- melanocytic and dermal moles;
- specific and nonspecific formations;
- moles of mixed origin.
Epidermal melacytic spots are small in size and may rise slightly above the surface of the skin. They appear from birth and subsequently increase slightly in diameter. Most often, such neoplasms are localized on the male and female genital organs, hands, and in rare cases appear on the face. Moles of this type will require regular monitoring by a specialist, as they can develop into malignant cancer if damaged or changes in hormonal levels in the body.
Moles of the dermal-melacytic type are often localized on the face. Depending on their species, they can be black, gray or bright red bloody in color.
The most common moles of this type are the following formations:
- Nevus Oto;
- Nevus Ito;
- Mongolian spot.
Newborns often have Mongolian spots, which are an accumulation of melanocyte cells over a large area of skin. Such formations are blue or brown in color, in some cases they look like large hematomas. Mongolian spots fade as the child grows older and completely disappear by the age of five. Only in the case when a large formation does not disappear on its own, observation by an oncologist is required. An experienced doctor will be able to choose a completely safe and effective way to get rid of a birthmark on the face.
Nevus Oto is often localized on the face in the upper jaw area, on the cheeks and near the eyes. These are small dark blue formations that only increase in size as the child grows older.
Nevus Oto requires appropriate monitoring by an oncologist. You should consult a specialized doctor if a mole is damaged or bleeding, changes color, or increases the size of a pigment spot.
Cryopreparations
Preparations for removing papillomas of this group have a mechanism of action similar to liquid nitrogen. They cause the wart to freeze, thereby causing necrosis. Due to this, the wart experiences hypoxia and dies.
Cryopharma
The active ingredients included in the formula of the product are tetraatomic alkane and dimethyl alcohol. The dosage form is an aerosol. It is used to neutralize benign viral formations on the human body.
It is used topically, applied using an applicator. Leave to act for 10–30 seconds. After the course of therapy, a two-week break is taken.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
After completing the course of treatment, the wart disappears.
If there is no improvement after the first exposure, then additional exposure is necessary. The procedure is carried out no more than three times.
The price for this product varies around 1000 rubles.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
Contraindications for use include pregnancy, lactation, diabetes mellitus and children under 4 years of age (due to the lack of clinical studies for this age group).
Wartner Cryo
This drug is recommended for use for formations up to 7 mm in diameter. This tool is similar to the previous one. All recommendations, composition and dosage form are identical. The price of the product is 700–800 rubles.
Medicines from the group of cryopreparations are quite expensive, which is not always accompanied by high efficiency. Reviews on the Internet about them are quite contradictory. If used incorrectly, there are negative effects on the healthy epidermis, so you must strictly follow the instructions.
No self-medication!
A large convex mole on the head or under the hair most often needs to be removed, especially if it creates a clear aesthetic defect. It is highly not recommended to take independent measures to remove a mole (tying with red thread, using celandine, etc.). Even if good friends gave valuable advice, and they helped someone, you should not touch the mole! You should not cover large nevi with a band-aid, as this will create a greenhouse effect - comfortable conditions for the degeneration of a harmless mole into a dangerous melanoma. The very first step in caring for or removing a tumor should be to contact a dermatologist.
Types of tablets for moles
Drug treatment of HPV requires the use of antiviral drugs, drugs to improve the functioning of the immune system, which must be strictly prescribed by a doctor. Some of the effective tablets are available from the pharmacy only with a prescription, so a visit to a specialist is mandatory. The specific dosage and duration of treatment depends on the type of HPV and the state of the person’s immunity.
| Drug name | Description | Price |
| Groprinosin | One of the most popular antiviral drugs prescribed for HPV. It has a pronounced immunostimulating effect and allows not only to reduce the viral load, but also to strengthen the immune system | From 820 rub. |
| Anaferon | An effective antiviral drug with pronounced immunomodulatory properties. Prescribed for significantly reduced immunity | From 220 rub. |
| Acyclovir | An antiviral drug that is actively used not only to treat HPV, but also herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. Course of application – up to a month | From 190 rub. |
| Isoprinosine | The active ingredient is inosis pranobex. It is an analogue of Groprinosin. Used for papillomas and condylomas on the larynx, genitals and body. The course of treatment can last up to six months | From 980 rub. |
| Lycopid | An antiviral drug that helps strengthen the immune system. May cause allergic reactions and side effects | From 300 rub. |
| Alpizarin | A drug based on magniferin, which is extracted from the Alpine kopek plant. Tablets are prescribed at the very beginning of the appearance of papillomas or during a relapse | From 210 rub. |
| Cycloferon | A very strong immunomodulator and antiviral drug. It contains a large number of interferons, which make it so effective. The treatment regimen depends on the type of HPV and is determined individually | From 350 rub. |
If the virus is actively spreading and there are a large number of rashes, tablets with an immunostimulating effect are prescribed. The most common of them are:
- Ribomunyl.
- Immunal.
- Derinat.
- Ergoferon.
By the word “mole,” people often mean nevus, keratoma or wart (papilloma, condyloma). These formations differ in the nature of their appearance. All remedies for combating age spots are called anti-mole drugs. Growths are removed only according to strict indications.
Keratomas or senile warts are benign formations that are convex dark brown growths. May have a keratinized scaly surface. The reason for its appearance is age-related changes in the cells of the epidermis. Keratomas are not dangerous to humans, but can grow to large sizes, creating an unaesthetic appearance.
Warts are growths caused by the human papillomavirus. They have various forms. They may be small bulges, hanging down, have a stalk, or resemble cauliflower in appearance. Moles are often confused with hanging papillomas. The papillomavirus must be treated, and the formations caused by it must be removed.
You can choose the right pills for moles, taking into account the nature of the formation.
Antiviral
Cycloferon is a remedy for moles and papillomas, which can be found in any pharmacy. It has pronounced antiviral and immunostimulating properties. It binds the ability of virus cells to multiply, thus preventing the development of the disease. Available in the form of tablets, 10 pieces in a blister. Suitable for use by children over 4 years of age.
Isoprinosine is a medicine that helps get rid of moles and papillomas. The medicine actively fights the virus and increases the level of the body’s natural defenses. Suitable for use by children over 1 year old. Not recommended for treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Groprinosin is a medicinal antiviral agent with a pronounced immunomodulatory effect. Neutralizes the infectious agent by normalizing the immune defense. Has a wide range of applications. The active ingredient of the drug is inosine pranobex (500 mg in each tablet).
Immunostimulating
Immunoplus is a herbal medicine. Enhances hematopoiesis, activates cellular immunity. Available in a package of 20 tablets of the drug.
Polyoxidonium is a medicine intended for moderate activation of the immune system. Increases the body's resistance to the effects of infectious pathogens. After taking the medicine, the effect of the virus is inhibited and the body’s functioning is normalized.
Amiksin Aisi - tablets with immunostimulating and antiviral action. Stimulates the production of natural interferon in the body. Suitable for use by children over 7 years of age.
Lykopid is a medicine that stimulates the restoration of the body's immune defense. The active substance of the drug is glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide. Suitable for children over 3 years old. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Vitamins
Centrum is a multivitamin containing mineral acids. Available in a package of 60 tablets. Replenishes the deficiency of minerals and vitamins of groups A, B, C, E. It has a general immune-strengthening effect.
Vitrum is a multivitamin complex designed to normalize the concentration of beneficial components in the body. Helps restore the body's functioning, improve metabolic processes, and strengthens the immune system. Available in tablets and capsules.
Multitabs is a drug with a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and elements necessary for the body. Prevents the suppression of natural defenses, helps restore the normal functioning of all vital processes. Necessary for general strengthening of the immune system.
Supradin - effervescent tablets for preparing a vitamin solution. Replenishes the supply of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, H, folic acid, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Suitable for use by children over 12 years of age.
Misconceptions associated with nevi
| All birthmarks and formations on the skin are dangerous. We need to get rid of them. | Less than 8% of moles are reborn. Most fibropapilloma nevi are absolutely safe. |
| It is imperative to remove a mole on the body and face if it is convex. | Convex birthmarks and nevi on the legs require increased attention only because they are easy to injure. |
| Melanomas appear from birth and then grow. | 2/3 of melanomas removed surgically are acquired. |
| Nevus degenerates into melanoma under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. | Not always, but the main impetus for the degeneration of most melanomas is precisely intense exposure to the sun. |
| If the birthmark is not touched, then there will be no degeneration. | The impetus for rebirth can be internal factors. |
| Moles and papillomas are the same thing. | Birthmarks are accumulations of melanocytes, pigmented cells. The appearance of papillomas indicates infection with papillomavirus. |
Even if to an experienced oncologist the appearance of a nevus indicates its danger, the decision on how to remove a mole, by what method and in what conditions - inpatient or outpatient - is made after special studies, which include a biopsy procedure.
Herbal medicines
These products are created on the basis of biologically active substances obtained from plants. The source of such substances are herbs with pronounced poisonous and cauterizing properties. In addition to their natural composition, such medicines are also affordable. They can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Castor oil
The oil is obtained from castor bean seeds. Its organoleptic properties are similar to other oils, but it has a slightly bitter taste. The dosage form is used only for the treatment of plantar warts. Before applying the product, steam the skin. Castor oil is applied to the damaged area and left for 30 minutes. After this time, the formation is scrubbed. The course of treatment is at least 10 procedures.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
The drug has a softening effect on the skin, helps fight warts and HPV as part of complex therapy.
Contraindication for use is intolerance to the components. The price varies around 40 rubles.
Super clean
Every person knows about the effectiveness of celandine juice in the fight against various formations. But in urban environments it is difficult to find a plant that is not polluted by exhaust gases and household waste. For this reason, you have to resort to medications based on this plant. Super celandine also contains potassium and sodium hydroxide, which causes local burns.
Before applying this product, the skin must be lubricated with a cream with a high percentage of fat content. It is applied pointwise to the formation with a special spatula. The procedure causes sufficient discomfort and is painful, so use in children and pregnant women is limited. An unpleasant consequence of treatment is scars at the site of the papilloma or wart.
Due to numerous complaints, the original formula of the drug was changed to reduce the concentration of the active component. This modification affected its pharmaceutical activity. Now the drug is produced by various companies that make their own adjustments to the composition. The cost of the medicine is 30 rubles.
The ointment is not made from the plant itself, but from its oil. The oil is quite aggressive; if it is not mixed with the cream, it can provoke a severe allergic reaction. This is an effective drug against papillomavirus.
Thuja tree oil is easy to prepare yourself. To do this, you just need to collect young thuja shoots and prepare 100 ml of sunflower oil. The oil is heated and then the shoots are immersed in it. Leave for about 10 days. The herbal medicine is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Salicylic acid
This substance is available in various dosage forms: solutions, ointments, patches and liniments. Acid solutions available on the pharmaceutical market have concentrations ranging from 10% to 60%. The more concentrated the product, the more effective it is in the fight against papillomas or warts. But it is worth remembering about safety, the risk of getting a burn is quite high.
Salicylic acid is applied pointwise 1 time in the evening, and in the morning the remaining substance is removed from the skin. The course of treatment is at least a month. During this time, the formation usually dries out and gradually disappears.
Salicylic acid should not be used in cases of malignant nature or in the presence of diabetes mellitus. A solution of this substance costs about 40 rubles.
Should I delete or not?
You should definitely listen to your own intuition and feelings. Maybe a mole located on the head does not interfere at all, and the person is accustomed to its presence. Then extreme caution should be exercised in relation to such a problem area. In any case, you will need competent consultation with a specialist who is able to assess the potential danger of pigment formation and suggest what measures are best to take: regularly monitor or remove.
In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is advisable to remove the mole under the child’s hair, because children do not always remember to be careful in such phenomena.
Medicines
This category of medicine includes all medications that have a mummifying and cauterizing effect on the site of action.
Kondilin
One of the most effective drugs sold in pharmacies. The active component is podophyllotoxin, which is obtained from plants of the Barberry family. The dosage form is a solution in dark bottles.
Apply the drug twice a day, carefully lubricating the affected area. The course of treatment is three days. Treatment is carried out no more than 4 times. May cause local discomfort with severe pain. After a course of use, the papilloma changes color, after a while necrosis occurs and the tumor disappears.
Restrict use to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age. The price reaches 900 rubles.
Feresol
The mechanism of action of this remedy is based on the cauterization effect. The active components included in the medication are tricresol and phenol. In Russia, the medicine has not been produced for a long time due to numerous side effects: burns, necrosis of healthy tissue, sepsis.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
Feresol neutralizes papillomas, condylomas and calluses well. After the first application, the substance has a maximum effect without causing pain, like Superclean
Verrucacid
This medication is an analogue of Feresol. Verrucacid has a thinner consistency, low concentration and less cauterizing properties. The active component is diluted with ethyl alcohol, thanks to which it can be applied frequently and without restrictions. Verrucacid costs about 200 rubles.
Solcoderm
Solcoderm is sold in pharmacy chains, but is sold only with a doctor's prescription due to the high content of nitric and other acids. If therapy is carried out incorrectly, it can cause serious burns. The drug is intended for use by specialist workers in a hospital setting and is prohibited for independent use.
Viferon
The main component included in the composition is interferon. It neutralizes viral activity by inhibiting protein synthesis. When applied, slight discomfort in the form of burning is possible. Viferon can be used during pregnancy and lactation, as it is slowly absorbed and distributed in the body.
lapis pencil
The pencil is an antiseptic stick containing silver salt. It mummifies papillomas and has a detrimental effect on bacterial strains. The pencil can be used for various tumors.
Due to the active substance - silver nitrate, its cost is quite high. With a sufficiently low concentration of biologically active substances, its price reaches 1000 rubles.
When to see a dermatologist
If you detect at least one of the 5 signs, as well as pain in the mole or its damage, you should immediately consult a doctor. The specialist will tell you the sequence of further actions: either removal of the tumor, or further monitoring of it and careful care.
The transformation of a mole into melanoma can be confirmed by clinical diagnosis at the first stage and epiluminescent computer dermatoscopy at the second. Under no circumstances should you do a biopsy of the tumor - an examination that involves removing a piece of material. The diagnosis of melanoma can be refuted or confirmed only after a histological analysis.
