I removed a Mole using Apple Cider Vinegar. Now I have a pink scar/crater. What will make this scar look normal again? (photo)

Question

I got a scar from removing a mole using Apple Cider Vinegar. It resulted in creating a crater. A scab formed which eventually came off resulting in a pink scar. Before, the scar was concave and pink. Now it has darkened over two weeks the edges are even darker (purple color) creating a dark ring. Why are the edges so dark? Is it hyperpigmentation or melanin? Please advise if this is part of the normal healing process and if you have any recommendations at this early stage of scarring.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

Removing skin lesions with apple cider vinegar has become a recent fad and I find that it is dangerous. First, you obtain results as you have here and, most important, you have no clue what it was that you removed.  San Francisco is filled with quality dermatologists and plastic surgeons who could have removed this without the residual pigment and, also, given you peace of mind with a hopefully benign diagnosis.

Yoash R. Enzer, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

There are many products available to consurmers and that can be purchased on the internet which claim to remove moles and other facial growths.  And I get it.  Going to a doctor is expensive, there are often long waits, and if you have insurance, that can be a big hassle too.But many of us in dermatology and the facial aesthetic field have seen bad scars from these products, and your photos are a perfect example.  Just like when you skin your knees, a scab develops with the top layer of the skin are lost.  And you will heal, but there is a good chance you will be left with an indentation or discoloration (lighter or darker) in the area.  Ultimately it may end up being more noticeable than the original mole.Perhaps seeking out a skin or wound specialist at this point could be helpful in making the final scar appearance less noticeable, but at this point it may be too late.  The damage was done a long time ago.I am sorry this happened to you, and I'm sure if you knew it would turn out this way you would not have done it.  Hopefully it will be a lesson or message to prevent others from making a similar decision in the future.Sincerely,Yoash R. Enzer, MD, FACS

I removed a Mole using Apple Cider Vinegar. Now I have a pink scar/crater. What will make this scar look normal again? (photo)

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Answers (2)

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