What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?

A seborrheic keratosis is a very common benign (noncancerous) skin growth that becomes more common with age. They may appear as a single growth or as multiple growths and can occur on many different areas of the body. Seborrheic keratoses are harmless and are not considered precancerous. They are different from actinic keratoses, which are related to sun damage and have the potential to develop into skin cancer.

 

What does seborrheic keratosis look like?

Seborrheic keratoses can vary considerably in appearance. They may be flat or raised and often have a waxy, rough, scaly, or wart-like surface. Many have a characteristic “stuck-on” appearance. They can range in color from skin-colored or tan to brown or nearly black. Common locations include the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, and abdomen. Most seborrheic keratoses do not cause symptoms, although some may itch or become irritated by clothing or jewelry.

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Who gets seborrheic keratoses?

The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not fully understood. They become increasingly common with age, and genetics appear to play a significant role, particularly in people who develop many of them.

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Is seborrheic keratosis dangerous?

Seborrheic keratoses themselves are benign and generally do not require treatment.

However, some skin cancers and other skin conditions can resemble a seborrheic keratosis. A growth that is changing rapidly, bleeding without explanation, unusually dark or irregular, or otherwise concerning should be appropriately evaluated before cosmetic treatment.

 

How is seborrheic keratosis diagnosed?

Dr. Erin Fix evaluates lesions before cosmetic treatment using dermoscopy, a magnified, lighted examination of the skin that provides additional information about a lesion's structures and appearance. If a lesion has uncertain or concerning features, additional evaluation or biopsy may be recommended before cosmetic treatment.

 

Why remove a keratosis?

Because seborrheic keratoses are benign, treatment is generally optional. Patients may choose removal because a growth is cosmetically bothersome, becomes irritated, catches on clothing or jewelry, or is located in an area where it is frequently rubbed.​

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What treatment is used by Dr. Fix?

Seborrheic keratoses can be treated using several methods depending on their size, thickness, location, and the patient's skin characteristics. Treatment options can include cryotherapy, shave removal, and electrosurgical techniques. Dr. Fix uses focused cryotherapy with the CryoProbe to treat seborrheic keratoses. The CryoProbe delivers a fine but powerful stream of nitrous oxide directly to the treatment area to freeze the targeted tissue. Following treatment, the area may darken or develop a superficial crust as it heals, which gradually separates from the skin over 2-6 weeks time. 

 

Will treatment leave a scar?

Any procedure that removes or destroys skin tissue carries some possibility of scarring or pigment change. Cryotherapy can occasionally leave an area lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, and pigment changes may be more noticeable in some skin tones. Dr. Fix evaluates the lesion's location, thickness, and surrounding skin before treatment and discusses expected healing and potential cosmetic outcomes with each patient.

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Can seborrheic keratoses come back?

A treated growth may occasionally require additional treatment, particularly when it is thicker. Removing one seborrheic keratosis also does not prevent new growths from developing elsewhere over time.

 

Interested in removing a seborrheic keratosis? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Erin Fix to determine whether your skin growth may be appropriate for cosmetic treatment.

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