Most moles are no threat to your health and need not be
removed. Some, however, change over time and can lead to
cancer. A mole usually is removed by shaving or cutting it from
the skin. If it is large, you will need stitches. A small mole,
or one that is shaved off, may require only a small bandage.
Your doctor may send a piece of the mole to the laboratory to
check for cancer.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
After the removal, keep the wounded area raised above
the level of your heart, if possible. This will ease pain
and swelling and promote healing.
Keep the wound and bandage clean and dry for 24
hours.
If the bandage gets wet, unwrap it slowly and
carefully. If it sticks, use warm water to gently loosen
it. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before applying a
new bandage.
Clean the wound gently 2 to 3 times a day with a
cotton swab dipped in a mixture of half water and half
hydrogen peroxide.
Do not go swimming or soak the wound. If the wound is
on your arm, do not wash dishes.
Call Your Doctor If...
You develop a high temperature.
Blood soaks through the
dressing.
Pain and swelling in the injured area gets
worse.
You develop numbness or swelling below the area of
the wound.
You notice redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or
red streaks coming from the wound. These are signs of
infection.