Why DIY mole removal is 'dangerous shortcut' you must avoid

Picking at a skin mole might feel like a quick fix to avoid a doctor's bill, but aesthetic medicine specialist Dr Mahyar Maddahali, known as Dr Max, warns that this DIY surgery is a "dangerous shortcut."

What appears to be a simple blemish can actually be a complex growth, and attempting to remove it with a razor or household tools can lead to severe medical emergencies.

Dr Max outlines three primary dangers of playing dermatologist at home. Firstly, the growth might not be a mole at all. It could be anything from a benign cyst to aggressive melanoma.

"Not everything you think is a mole is a mole," he cautions, noting that DIY attempts can mask cancerous lesions, making them harder for professionals to diagnose later.

Secondly, some growths are connected to "feeder blood vessels." Cutting into these can cause uncontrollable bleeding, turning a bathroom mirror session into a traumatic event.

Finally, the risk of infection is immense. Creating an open wound without sterile equipment invites bacteria, often causing the lesion to grow back "angry and distorted."

Dr Max insists that traumatising the skin this way only complicates future treatment. His advice is clear: avoid cutting or burning growths yourself. 

Instead, follow the "ABCDE" rule to monitor changes and always seek professional evaluation to ensure a "harmless" spot isn't something more sinister.

Editor’s Note: This article is for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.