Wart and Mole Removal Products: Are They Effective?
Medically Cited
There are many over-the-counter products for wart & mole removal. Image via Shutterstock
Warts and moles pertain to skin growths that develop anywhere on the body. Although they're generally harmless, most people want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. However, their removal don't come cheap, causing people to turn to alternative remedies such as wart and mole removal products.
While these products are indeed more affordable, their safety and efficacy are still in question.
What are Wart and Mole Removal Products?
Wart and mole removal products, as the name suggests, are products that get rid of moles and warts. They offer a cheaper and more conservative approach to procedures such as surgical excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser surgery, and the like.
Wart and mole removal products work by penetrating the skin, burning it, and creating a scab underneath the wart or mole. As the body heals itself, the scab falls off and takes these unsightly growths with it.
Reasons for Taking Wart and Mole Removal Products
Warts pertain to rough, grainy growth that often appears on the hands or fingers. They are often flesh-colored, but can sometimes be pink, white, and/or riddled with tiny black dots (blood-filled vessels). They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and therefore highly contagious. They spread through touch and development can take a few months after exposure.
On the other hand, moles are growths made up of dead melanocytes or pigment-producing cells. It can appear on any part of the body and most people get them during the first few decades of life. They are often brown in color, but they can also be flesh-colored or black. Genetics and frequent sun exposure seem to be the major contributing factors in their development.
Warts and moles are generally harmless and therefore doesn't require any form of treatment. In fact, they eventually disappear on their own after a few weeks. Both hardly cause any discomfort unless they grow too large or rub against clothing or jewelry. Nonetheless, many people choose to get rid of them due to their unsightly appearance.
