Cauterized mole is darker, why? I just had a mole on my nose cauterized.

Question

It appears to look very dark, darker than it was before. I was worried but I assume that it's just the top layer that was burned but that layer will soon come off. Currently I'm keeping it moist with a bandaid over it, is what i'm thinking correct?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your cosmetic dermatologist about your concerns and after care recommendations. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield to promote healing. Any scarring can be improved with lasers and microneedling/prp. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Christian Halvorson, MD · Answer

I recommend a follow-up appointment with your dermatologist to address your concerns. While it is impossible to determine without an in-person examination, cauterization can cause the surface to appear darker initially and that will go away as it heals. Scabs will also appear darker. Keep it moist with aquaphor or vaseline and bandage if necessary to prevent accidentally bumping or scratching. Make sure the bandage adhesive doesn’t cause irritation if you have sensitive skin or prior sensitivity to bandage adhesives.

Robert S. Backstein, MD · Answer

Hi. What you're looking at is just the scab (more formally called an eschar). That will shed over a week or so and you'll see the new skin underneath beginning to form.

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

Moles can be removed via many different ways. One popular way is to shave them down and then cauterize the base of it. When cautery is used, it makes a char or instant scab. Healthy new skin cells will then grow underneath it and as the skin normally exfoliates/sheds, the scab will fall off. For now, it is likely this scab from your story. You are right. Keeping it moist will help the healing go faster. Studies show that any ointment (like vasoline) helps the healing go about 15% faster by allowing the healthy cells to slide in and the dead ones to slide off, while preventing normal trauma. Antibiotic ointment like mupirocin, polysporin, etc, can help the healing go about 28% faster. A bandage works well by keeping the ointment in place and preventing you from bumping/rubbing the area. I wish you success with your mole recovery!

Christina Kim, MD · Answer

I am not sure how long it has been since your mole was cauterized, but it is quite normal to see it gets darker a few days after the procedure as the outer layer of skin was burned and cauterized.  Then the darkened area will be covered with a scab and it will come off soon, maybe in a week or so.  Don't try to scratch or pull the scab off during this healing stage.  I would also keep the area open rather than covering it with a bandaid.

Cauterized mole is darker, why? I just had a mole on my nose cauterized.

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