If you’d like to remove hair from a mole, first ask your dermatologist to evaluate it to make sure it isn’t a sign of a larger problem. “If the mole has been examined by a dermatologist and confirmed benign, trimming the hair close to the skin with small scissors or an electric trimmer is the safest approach,” says Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical School in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Meanwhile, shaving can work on some moles, but may cut others. “I would only recommend shaving over a mole if it is flat and benign,” Palm says. “Still, you run the risk of nicking or cutting the mole, causing bleeding, scabbing, or infection — which may make the mole’s appearance change, complicating monitoring.”
If you accidentally cut or irritate your mole, Mayo Clinic recommends keeping the area clean and seeing your doctor if it doesn’t heal after three weeks. That said, if something feels unusual about how your mole is healing, Palm suggests seeing a doctor right away. “When it comes to moles, it’s better to err on the side of caution — especially since early evaluation gives us clarity and peace of mind,” Palm says.
You should only get electrolysis or laser hair removal if a dermatologist has evaluated the mole. These treatments can alter the mole’s appearance, potentially masking early warning signs of melanoma, Skelsey says. “When in doubt, it’s best to have the mole, or the hair removal itself, managed under a dermatologist’s guidance,” she notes.
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