title: Hypopigmented scar formation after application of over-the-counter wart and mole removal cream.
abstract: Today, there is a consensus that melanocytic nevi must not be removed by means of destructive modalities such as laser or electrodessication, since these procedures preclude histopathologic evaluation and may mask malignant transformation. Hence, a surgical excision with subsequent histopathologic evaluation remains the gold standard. Yet, patients that desire a removal of their melanocytic nevi for primary cosmetic reasons fear the formation of scars after surgical excision on the one hand and the private costs for excision and histopathologic evaluation on the other hand (as expenses for cosmetic surgery are no longer covered by health insurances). Accordingly, there is a vast market for "scar-free", "do-it-yourself" mole removers for unaware consumers. Here, we present two cases of patients that developed multiple hypopigmented scars after the application of a wart-and-mole removing cream that they had ordered from the internet.
authors.affiliation: Medical Skin Center, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Said
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hilton
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reinerth
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heise
authors.forename: Bettina A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Buhren
authors.forename: Edwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bölke
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Gerber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009506:Nevus / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014860:Warts / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs