What should I do if a dark spot is left after removing a mole?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Black marks left after mole removal may be caused by the healing process, temporary pigmentation, reactions after skin barrier damage, post-inflammatory pigmentation, endocrine disorders, or other factors. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate amounts of foods rich in vitamin C and E, which can help promote natural skin recovery and skin whitening.
Generally, dark spots left after mole removal may be caused by the healing process, temporary pigmentation, reactions after skin barrier damage, post-inflammatory pigmentation, or endocrine disorders. Treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, cryotherapy, and medication can be used under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Healing Process
During mole removal, lasers or medications destroy the pigment cells in the skin's epidermis. Subsequently, during the healing phase, excessive melanin production may lead to dark spots. It is important to keep the treated area clean and avoid direct sunlight in daily life. Laser treatment can also be performed under the guidance of a professional physician. This treatment uses the photothermal effect of lasers to penetrate deep layers of the skin, breaking down the dark spots left by mole removal, which are then expelled from the body through metabolism. The approximate cost is generally 2000-5000 yuan per session, and improvements are usually visible after 3-6 months. However, mild pain, redness, pigmentation, or hypopigmentation may occur.
2. Temporary Pigmentation
Laser mole removal uses photothermal effects to destroy pigment cells, but during treatment, the thermal energy may also affect surrounding skin tissues, causing temporary pigmentation and resulting in dark spots. Heat sensation can be relieved by cold compresses in daily life, and irritating skincare products should be avoided. Chemical peels can also be performed under the guidance of a professional physician. This treatment accelerates the renewal of aged keratinocytes and some upper epidermal cells by removing the stratum corneum, promoting collagen proliferation, thereby removing dark spots left after mole removal. The approximate cost of a chemical peel is generally 1000-3000 yuan per session, with improvements usually visible after 2-3 months. However, mild stinging, redness, and peeling may occur.
3. Reaction After Skin Barrier Damage
Mole removal can damage the skin's epidermal barrier function, making the skin more susceptible to external irritants such as ultraviolet radiation and bacteria, which can trigger pigmentation and dark spots. Moisturizing should be enhanced in daily life, and skincare products that repair the skin barrier can be used. Cryotherapy is recommended under the guidance of a professional physician. This treatment uses the low temperature of liquid nitrogen to keep the local skin at a low temperature, causing the dark spot tissue to carbonize and fall off. The approximate cost for cryotherapy is generally 1500-4000 yuan per session, with improvements usually visible after 2-3 months. However, pain, swelling, blisters, and pigmentation may occur.
4. Post-inflammatory Pigmentation
Inflammatory reactions on the skin after mole removal can stimulate melanocytes to become overly active, leading to pigmentation and resulting in dark spots. Symptoms such as localized redness, pain, and mild itching may accompany this condition. Treatment may include the use of Triamcinolone Acetonide Acetate Cream, Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, Vitamin E Soft Capsules, and other medications as directed by a physician.
5. Endocrine Disorders
Long-term熬夜 (staying up late), taking hormone medications, and other factors may cause endocrine disorders, which can lead to overactive melanocytes, exacerbating pigmentation and ultimately causing dark spots. Symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and mood swings may also be present. Patients may use Xiaoyao Pills, Vitamin B6 Tablets, Wuji Baifeng Pills, and other medications as directed by a physician.
It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the guidance of a professional physician to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. In daily life, attention should be paid to maintaining a balanced diet, consuming more foods rich in vitamins C and E, and enhancing sun protection measures to avoid direct UV exposure, which helps the skin's natural recovery and whitening.
