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Though moles are common in human beings and are even considered as the marks of beauty in different cultures, not all people feel happy to have them on the skin. It is not that they are dangerous to our health. Rather many of us find them very unattractive in terms of appearance and wish to get rid of them. Skin moles can make you a bit conscious about your looks and you may find them hideous, especially when they are easily visible on the exposed areas of your body like face, neck, etc. While commercial mole removal solutions available in the market are quite unsafe, trying natural remedies for this purpose can be really helpful. In this article, we will be discussing the use of tea tree oil for mole removal and everything else you should know about it.
What is a Skin Mole?
A mole is a collection of melanocytes or pigment cells that can develop anywhere in the body. Usually, these cells are spread out evenly throughout the skin. However, sometimes they form a cluster, which results in the formation of an unsightly mole. Most of us have around 10-40 normal moles on the body, which are usually harmless and do not cause any pain or other symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Skin Moles?
Even though moles are not harmful at all, they can be very unappealing at times. Advanced medicine and technology have introduced quite a few techniques for mole removal, such as surgery, cauterization, laser removal, and many more. But all these methods have numerous complications associated with them, not to mention they are expensive too. There are mole removal creams available in pharmacies or other stores too. However, those OTC creams not only eliminate the moles but also leave scars on the skin. Hence, many people turn to simple home remedies to get rid of skin moles easily. Though some natural ingredients are believed to remove moles effectively, tea tree oil is considered the best among them.
Any suspicious-looking mole should be checked by the doctor before undergoing any removal attempt at home. This will help in finding whether the mole is cancerous or not.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a pale yellow colored essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Its amazing antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties have made it an age-old natural remedy for several ailments. These include common cold, cough, sore throat, acne, skin lesions, wounds, fungal infections, athlete’s foot, and so on. The refreshing aroma of the oil also makes it a common ingredient in beauty products and cosmetics. Moreover, anecdotal reports suggest that tea tree oil can work wonders to remove moles and skin tags easily at home.
How Does Tea Tree Oil Remove Mole?
Though there are not enough scientific studies on the efficacy of tea tree oil for mole removal, the proponents of the oil claim it to be a safe and effective treatment for this purpose. It works on acne by killing the bacteria and helping the pimples dry up (1). Similarly, it works by dehydrating moles, which causes them to dry up and fall off on their own. However, tea tree oil can only treat moles that are not shallow and have no deep roots. It does not work on malignant moles too.
What Are the Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil?
If you are looking for a natural, simple solution to remove your moles, then tea tree oil is the perfect answer for you. Here is a quick list, highlighting the main reasons:
- An absolutely natural treatment
- Safe to use and free of any side effects
- Activates white blood cells and boosts immunity to fight the risks of infection (2)
- Does not leave any scar or mark on the skin, unlike surgical methods
- Can be used on any part of the body including hard-to-reach areas
- Very quick and easy to apply and can be practiced by anybody
- The most inexpensive method of mole removal
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Mole Removal
Tea tree oil is a very simple, easy, and hassle-free way to say goodbye to moles. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Cleanse and wash the area of the skin where the mole is located. You may use a gentle cleanser or simply use mild soap and plain water.
- Pat the skin dry with a soft clean towel.
- Take a cotton ball and pour a few drops of tea tree oil onto it. Apply it to the mole and hold the cotton ball there for a couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can dab a few drops of the oil directly onto the mole.
- Repeat the entire procedure thrice daily. Continue the practice until the mole becomes dry and falls off the skin completely. It might also shrink over time and disappear gradually.
Precautions for Using Tea Tree Oil
Sometimes, the strong nature of tea tree oil can cause skin irritation. If such a situation arises, try applying it with the help of a wet cotton ball to lessen the direct impact of the oil on your skin. If the irritation increases, stop using the oil immediately. The skin beneath the mole usually turns sensitive upon the regular application of this oil. Hence, it is advised that you avoid sun exposure as much as possible for at least 2 months to avoid skin damage and its hazardous consequences.
Read Also – How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Keeping Acne at Bay?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
It has been proven that this tea tree oil treatment is best suited for moles that are more or less flat in shape and have shallow roots. Those which are malignant or deeply embedded in the skin will not respond well to this oil. You will also have to wait for more than a couple of weeks to get visible results, but the exact time it takes is directly dependent on the size of the mole. Those with small moles might see results as soon as 14 days, while others with larger moles might have to wait for months together. You also have to make sure you are very consistent about the treatment to enjoy its positive outcomes.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using Tea Tree Oil?
Though there are so many benefits of using this tea tree oil treatment regimen, this mole removal method comes with its own set of drawbacks. Here is a list of the most common disadvantages:
- The results are not immediate. They take time and dedication.
- Tea tree oil doesn’t suit everybody. It can sometimes cause irritation, inflammation, or a tingling sensation after application.
- Many people have a hidden allergy to tea tree oil. There is no way to know this until it is tested on you and you develop a reaction. If this occurs, tea tree oil can never be a mole removal option for you.
- Everybody responds differently to the treatment and the outcome depends upon differences in various skin types.
- The strong smell of the oil might bother sensitive noses.
- While practicing this method, you might end up staining your clothes.
Performing a patch test prior to using tea tree oil for mole removal will help you steer clear of all sorts of negative impacts. If the patch test goes well, then you should certainly give this mole removal method a try.
Read Also – 8 Amazing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil Soap
Things to Remember
- The efficacy, safety, and potential side effects of natural remedies like tea tree oil for removing moles have not been proved by formal studies.
- If there is any kind of adverse reaction like redness, swelling, etc., the use of the remedy should be discontinued immediately.
- People with diabetes or trouble healing tissues must stay away from at-home remedies to avoid complications (3).
- These at-home remedies should not be used in place of a medical assessment. It is always better to consult a dermatologist before considering natural treatments.
Also Read – How to Use Clove Oil for Treating Acne? A Perfect Guide for You
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Alternatives to Tea Tree Oil for Mole Removal?
If tea tree oil does not work, you can try other natural remedies like garlic, lemon juice, honey, potato, aloe vera, oregano oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, banana peel, a paste of castor oil and baking soda, frankincense essential oil, and iodine.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Warts Removal?
Scientific studies have revealed that tea tree oil possesses great antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. These promote the healing of wounds, which is essential for treating warts effectively. For successful wart removal, you must apply diluted tea tree oil to the affected area of your skin at least twice every day.
Can You Put Tea Tree Oil Directly on Your Skin?
Applying tea tree oil directly to the skin can cause adverse reactions. You should always dilute it with a suitable carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil before applying.
References:
- “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Biological Activity of Melaleuca alternifola (Tea Tree) Oil Component, terpinen-4-ol, in Human Myelocytic Cell Line HL-60“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Can I Get Rid of a Mole By Myself?“, MedicalNewsToday.com
