Mary Jane (Hollywood, CA) on 03/28/2009:

For the purpose of these tips, I'll state that one 'application' would be considered 4-8 hours, which can typically be done during a workday or a night of sleep.
1. For the first 1-3 applications, nothing new might be noticed. This is usual.
*I've read that the ideal consistency is that of 'gum', and this has worked best for me. So make it more on the moldable side rather than too runny. You should be able to almost roll it into a little ball and stick it on the mole. This is also better so that the mixture doesn't leak out too quickly.

2. For faster results, 'score' the mole or skin tag (scraping lightly with a needle, toothpick or nail file) prior to each application.
**Please note that this will make the mole more tender and a red or irritated area will usually develop around the mole due to distress from the scoring. If your mole is in a visible place (on the face or neck) you may not want to score it. In my own case, I'd let them dry and scab up and apply light makeup since they were near my face or neck...and I was still presentable during the treatment! This won't hamper the treatments, it just takes more time. Either way, it should take only 1-2 more applications to get to the next phase.

3. Once you start to feel a slight tingling or burn, this means the mole is moving into the 'disintegration' phase. I imagine it as if the paste is literally eating away at the mole, at least that is what it feels like, and looks like afterwards. The burn doesn't have to occur for the treatment to be effective. I've so far only noticed it on moles, but not with skin tags. Sometimes I will place light pressure with my finger on the area if the tingling starts to subside, to make the most of the application. I feel that this helps to really dig in there and pulverize that thing! It simply feels like a tiny sunburn; and you will likely gain a tolerance for it.

4. I've noticed that some (bigger or raised) moles seem to be full of blood, and this disintegration phase will often look like a blood bath (sorry but that's really what it looks like) when you take the bandaid off, so take care when wearing an application if you are going to be out in public or with friends. Other moles just seem to flatten without the blood, but it's still good to be cautious during this phase, in case of a leaking bandaid. Nothing appealing about that!

5. Once the mole has significantly been disintegrated, use your judgment about peeling it off, or letting it heal. It seems each case is different, and there seem to be no firm method of what to do from here, so go with what you feel. Sometimes I let the mole rest for a day or two so I can truly determine what kind of progress has been made. Other times I just keep going at it. It's often hard to tell if the mole is gone, when there is a scab area, hence the uncertainty.

6. I also read that treating more than one mole at a time is not the best idea, because your immune system is aiding in fighting it off. I attacked quite a few big moles in the past few weeks, and I certainly have had some spells of fatigue that came out of nowhere; just something to note.

In any case, I won't hesitate to try different methods, or perhaps even switch methods mid-treatment. I am covered with plenty of 'beauty' marks, and once the big ones are completely addressed, I'll still be at this for awhile!