Mole Removal Healing
Millions of people have moles. Some are noticeable and some are just barely there. People have moles removed for a number of reasons, from clearing the skin to ridding precancerous spots. Some people are born with moles, and others appear over time. Recovery from mole removal is not especially complicated.
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Medications to Use
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Upon returning home post-procedure, seal the wound with antibiotic ointment or salve and a bandage. Use antibiotic creams or ointments that do not contain neomycin, which can cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic to neomycin will develop a rash around the wound site. Products that contain neomycin are Medi-Quik, Neosporin, and triple antibiotic. You can purchase the antibiotic salves over the counter at most drugstores.
Hygiene
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Remove your bandage twice daily to clean and disinfect the wound. Clean the wound with either water or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Once you have cleaned the wound, reapply the antibiotic topical cream or ointment, and rebandage the wound site. Repeat this procedure until the wound has healed. Try not to get the area dirty if possible, to avoid infection.
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Follow-Up
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If you have had your mole tested, you will not usually have to follow up with your physician when it comes to lab results. If there is an indication of anything unusual, your physician will call you in for additional tests. If you received stitches, return to have them removed within 8 to 21 days. If the stitches were on your face, have them removed within four to seven days.
When Prompt Attention Is Needed
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Call your physician if you develop bleeding at the wound, discharge, pus, foul-smelling fluid from the wound, or a fever; this may be the sign of an infection developing. Also contact your physician if you have pain at the site and you have taken acetaminophen, Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, Bufferin, Advil, Motrin, Bayer, Aleve, naproxen, or any other pain medication, and the pain has not gone away. If you begin to bleed excessively, apply pressure at the wound site for at least five minutes. If the bleeding continues, call your physician.
Important Information
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According to emedicinehealth.com, if you have any moles that change in size or appearance, have them checked (see References 1).
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of daniel sandoval
