It is a common scenario; you notice a small, raised growth on your skin, and your first instinct is to find the quickest, most convenient way to get rid of it. With various over-the-counter “freezing” kits available at local pharmacies, it might seem like a simple weekend project to clear up your complexion. However, attempting to freeze off a mole at home can lead to serious health complications that far outweigh the temporary convenience.
At Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, we understand that a new or changing spot on your skin can be a source of anxiety. While we strive to help every patient feel confident in their skin, our primary mission is to ensure that every treatment is performed safely and effectively.
Skin Tag vs. Mole: You Might Be Wrong
The most common reason people reach for home freezing kits is that they believe they are dealing with a simple skin tag. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish between a harmless skin tag, a common mole, and something more serious like a dysplastic nevus or even early-stage melanoma.
Moles are made of pigment-producing cells, and their growth patterns require careful observation. If you attempt to freeze off a spot that is actually a skin cancer, you may only destroy the top layer of cells. This can leave the underlying malignancy to grow deeper into the skin, unnoticed and untreated, because the surface “warning sign” has been removed. A professional evaluation at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology can help ensure that any spot being removed is truly benign.
The Risk of “Home Freezing” Kits
Home kits typically use a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane to create a cold tip. While these can help with certain viral warts, they often lack the precision and extreme temperatures of the liquid nitrogen used in a clinical setting. This lack of control leads to several common issues:
- Permanent Scarring: Without the steady hand of a medical professional, it is easy to freeze too deeply or too wide, causing permanent changes in skin texture or pigment.
- Infection: Creating an open wound at home without a sterile environment may help lead to painful infections that require antibiotics.
- Incomplete Removal: Often, DIY attempts only irritate the growth, causing it to grow back larger or more inflamed than before.
Safe, Scar-Free Removal Options in Office
When you visit one of our locations, such as our offices in Athens, Gainesville, or Lake Oconee, your safety is our first priority. A medical professional will ultimately decide what is best for the patient based on the specific characteristics of the spot.
We offer several clinical methods that may help provide a cleaner, safer result than anything found in a kit. Cryosurgery in our office uses medical-grade liquid nitrogen for precision, while other spots might be better served by a simple shave excision or a surgical snip. These methods allow us to send a sample to a lab if there is any doubt about the nature of the growth. Professional care helps ensure that your skin heals beautifully and, most importantly, that your health is never compromised.
Don’t take a gamble with your health. See a professional at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology for safe, quick removal of bothersome spots.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Pixel-Shot
