This is about a mole that accidentally got ripped off the other week, and I was wondering if you could help me? (Photo)

Question

I recently scratched of a mole on my face by accident and now it is red (I have attached a image) what does this mean? And what are the next stages?,I am worried that it will grow in size so is there a way of reducing the size of the mole? Thank you

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
How long ago is recent? 
Following scratching the mole I would expect it to look like you have shown. This will take time to settle down. Imagine if you cut yourself anywhere normally - the wound will take about a week to scab up and then as the scab comes off the area underneath is red. This will be more evident and redder in areas where the blood supply is greater such as the face. The redness takes a few weeks to settle. 
In terms of whether it will grow in size - did the lesion change in size and shape initially? Was it bleeding or crusting over prior to you scratching it off? If you have multiple moles then it might be worth seeing the GP/ local dermatologist to assess the lesions if they are exhibiting any signs of changes in size or shape. The majority of these lesions are benign and do not require much doing to them.
If this mole is a concern to you and you want it removed, then the best method here would be to cut it out and replace it with a straight line scar. This will remove the mole and it can then be sent to the histopathologist for a diagnosis of the exact nature of the lesion.
Other treatments for skin lesions can include cryotherapy (freezing the area) or topical creams. 
I hope this is helpful
KR
Rohit Seth 
Plastic, reconstructive, aesthetic and hair transplant surgery.

Robert P. Warr, MD, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
I am sorry to hear that you have scratched your mole. Do not worry. There will naturally be inflammation because of the trauma but it will settle. It will not make the mole any larger in the long term. 
Finally if the mole fails to improve then you should always consider getting it checked by a dermatologist.

Rafael Gottenger, MD · Answer

Good Morning and thank you for your question. Even when it is a possibility for the mole to grow again you can always consider an complete excision with a board certified plastic surgeon even when this inevitably means a small scar on your face. For now, I would recommend you to use sunblock.

This is about a mole that accidentally got ripped off the other week, and I was wondering if you could help me? (Photo)

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This is about a mole that accidentally got ripped off the other week, and I was wondering if you could help me? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.