Some health procedures, such as having moles removed or ear wax cleaned out aren't always covered by the NHS, and getting a private professional on the case can be costly.
However, attempting to resolve the issue yourself isn't always advisable. It might end up costing you more to put them right, and could also risk further injury.
Here are seven health and wellbeing procedures you shouldn't attempt at home, or at least without first consulting a health professional.
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1. Removing a mole or skin tag
The NHS won't remove a mole if it's purely for cosmetic reasons, and private mole removal can cost hundreds of pounds, but turning to online DIY solutions is seriously risky.
We found plenty of products online advertising themselves as mole removers, often using electrical current removal pens, but experts say you should never attempt to remove your own moles because of the risk of infection, scarring and blood loss, not to mention self-treating a mole that might actually be malignant.
Dr Hussain, of the British Association of Dermatology (BAD), says: 'If the mole were cancerous you run the risk of superficially removing the upper portion of the mole, leaving the cancer still growing.'
Safe mole removal involves a professional checking the mole isn't cancerous. And if a mole is on your face, it's even more crucial to get it removed properly to minimise the risk of scarring or damage.
What about skin tags?
These small fleshy growths are common as we age. Removing them is less risky (depending on where they are on your body). But it's still vitally important to get any unusual skin growth checked out before you attempt to remove it yourself, and sensitive areas are a no-go.
It is possible to buy approved skin tag removal products on the high street, such as the Cryotag Skin Tag Remover (£24, from Boots), but these come with a list of caveats and instructions for safe use, including a warning that the product shouldn't be used on anything other than skin tags.
If you do purchase this type of product, only buy from a reputable or known brand, ensure you read and follow the safety instructions carefully, and consult your doctor or pharmacist first if you're at all unsure.
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2. Deep cleaning wax from your ears
Going private to remove excessive or impacted ear wax, which can cause symptoms such as hearing loss or tinnitus, is likely to cost between £50 and £100, and unfortunately these days it's harder to access via the NHS.
The only approved home method is using ear drops to soften the wax, though this is typically used as a pre-treatment and not always effective on its own. With care, you can follow this up with gentle irrigation via a bulb syringe if you buy a reputable combi kit.
Experts caution against poking around with anything in your ears in case you cause damage, but a Which? investigation found potentially risky ear wax products being sold online that encourage you to do exactly that, in some cases without even being able to see what you are doing.
Among the items looked at by audiology expert Kevin Munro was an ear wax removal tool with endoscope, of which he said, 'in unskilled hands, this could cause serious damage and is definitely not recommended for use by members of the public.'
Ear wax removal: safe methods and what to avoid - find out what you should and shouldn't be doing to keep your ears clear
3. Whitening your own teeth
However, research by Which? found that it can be a real minefield finding a safe and effective treatment.
Due to safety regulations, kits sold legally in the UK contain only a tiny amount of the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide (0.1% or less), while some illegal kits sold online contain 100 times more than the legal amount, and could cause chemical burns to your gums.
Legal kits may contain other whitening ingredients too, but the safety and effectiveness of these is variable.
See our full home tooth-whitening kit investigation for more advice on what you need to know when considering your options.
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4. Chipping away at tartar
The issues with accessing an NHS dentist - or indeed any dentist - are well known. But taking matters into your own hands, or trying to save on a hygienist appointment, isn't recommended.
Tartar, the hard, yellowy substance which can build up on teeth, typically requires a dentist or hygienist to remove it with a 'scale and polish', using metal instruments.
You can buy versions of these from some high-street pharmacies and online, but it's not generally recommended that you use these on yourself. They are sharp and it's easy to cause injury to your gums, mouth or tongue, dislodge crowns and fillings - and to even cause irreversible damage to the enamel on your teeth.
Prevent plaque and tartar build-up by brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, and use floss or interdental brushes or picks. If you've got pre-existing issues, it's best to see a hygienist, as prevention is better in the long term.
See our guide to choosing the best toothpaste - including the marketing fluff to ignore.
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5. Taking a blade to dead skin on your feet
It's hard to get an NHS podiatrist for hard skin removal from your feet, and waiting times are long, so unless you're willing to pay for an appointment, you might be tempted to have a go yourself.
But although experts frequently use sharp blades to cut off calluses and corns, this is a risky job to do yourself.
Emma McConnachie, podiatrist and spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry, says: 'From taking chunks out of their feet, to the blade slipping on the skin and giving themselves a nasty cut, the results can be disastrous. Even in the healthiest of feet, a self-inflicted wound like this can take weeks to heal. Some things are best left to the trained professionals and this is one of them.'
If you want to tackle hard skin at home, use a pumice stone or emery board-style foot file to buff away the skin a few layers at a time, but if you have larger and recurring build-ups of dead skin or you have corns, check with your local NHS for details of their podiatry services or find an HCPC registered private podiatrist.
People with certain medical conditions - such as diabetes, heart disease or circulation problems - should never try to self-treat, as these conditions can make foot problems more serious. Find out more on the NHS guide to foot problems.
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6. Removing unwanted hair with home electrolysis
Electrolysis involves an electrical current being passed through a needle and into a hair follicle with the aim of permanently destroying the hair root. It's an established salon treatment, but, despite a proliferation of products available on popular online sites, it's not recommended to try and do yourself at home.
Dr Hussain of BAD says: 'We strongly recommend that people avoid home electrolysis machines for hair removal. These machines require training to use properly and if used incorrectly there is a risk of both infection and scarring.'
A good sense-check for that snazzy gadget you've spotted online is whether any mainstream high-street retailer sells something similar. If not, there's usually a good reason for that.
Note that electrolysis is different to IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal products. These are an accepted home-use technology, but are only suitable for certain skin types - typically people with lighter skin and darker hair - due to the way the product works.
If opting for in-salon electrolysis, check your provider is registered with the BIAE (British Institute and Association of Electrolysis) and that they use new, disposable needles instead of re-sterilised ones.
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7. Shrinking nasal polyps
Nasal polyps
You can't get rid of nasal polyps yourself, and social media videos that suggest you can get rid of them by pinching or massaging your nose, or by putting castor oil and tea tree oil up your nostrils, don't have any science behind them.
It's best to see a GP to confirm if you have nasal polyps. If so, your doctor may prescribe steroid nasal drops or spray to start with, which should help to shrink the polyps. Other treatment options are available, including surgery, if that doesn't work.
Salt water washes may also help to unblock your nose, and some steroid nasal sprays are available without prescription, but it's best to know what you're dealing with first. Find out more on the NHS guide to nasal polyps.
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