The Seborrheic Keratosis is a non cancerous skin growth that affects people of all ages and genders. It is characterized by a growth on the skin that can be flat or raised, smooth or rough and occurs in both dark and light colors. The condition is usually painless but can become itchy or sore if irritated by clothing.
The Keratosis develops when the skin cells begin to grow abnormally, causing the keratosis to appear. The condition can affect any part of your body but mostly occurs on the head, neck, chest and back. It does not pose any health threat to you but if for cosmetic reasons, you want to remove it, there are several treatment options available for you. However, the treatment methods are not covered by insurance companies since it is not considered a medical necessity.
The most common methods of treating the Seborrheic Keratosis include cryosurgery, curettage and cauterization and laser therapy. These methods are safe and effective; however they should be carried out by a qualified dermatologist as improper removal could lead to complications such as scarring.
Seborrheic Keratosis is a harmless skin condition that usually disappears over time. It is often mistaken for moles. In some cases, however, it can be embarrassing and cause discomfort. There are a number of treatment options available that can help to remove Seborrheic Keratosis.
Seborrheic keratoses are a common condition that affects many people. Most people notice them in later life, but they can affect anyone. These growths tend to appear on the face, particularly around the eyes and mouth, though they can affect other parts of the body, and can sometimes develop in large numbers.
To find out more about seborrheic keratoses and what treatments are available, please read on. For information about other conditions that can affect the skin and for general advice about looking after your skin, please visit our Skin Conditions page.
What is Seborrheic Keratosis?
A seborrheic keratosis is usually a benign growth that can develop on individuals starting in the middle years of life. After the age of 30, it is not uncommon for a person to start noticing this strange growth that seems to appear out of nowhere.
These growths can also be inherited and have been found to be more prevalent in people with darker skin tones or in families where seborrheic keratoses are common. They are typically brown or black in color and while they may be smooth, they usually have a rough texture with an appearance similar to a wart.
This condition is not painful, but can cause some discomfort if it rubs against clothing or other items. Some people find the appearance unsightly and so seek treatment for their seborrheic keratosis. The good news is there are several options available for removal of these growths including topical creams, freezing, laser treatments and surgical excision.
A seborrheic keratosis is not generally something you need to worry about from a health perspective, but if you find the growths unattractive you may want to consider treatment options for them.
Treatment of seborrheic keratosis is not always necessary, but it can be uncomfortable or unsightly. Options include:
Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery freezes seborrheic keratoses with liquid nitrogen.
Curettage and electrosurgery: During curettage and electrosurgery, the doctor scrapes off the skin growth with a surgical instrument called a curette and then uses an electric needle to cauterize, or burn, the wound.
Laser surgery: During laser surgery, intense light from a laser removes seborrheic keratoses.
Seborrheic keratosis treatment is usually successful, but new growths may appear in the future.
Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common skin growth that originates from the cells in the outer layer of the skin. SKs are not cancerous and pose no risk to your health. They commonly occur on the face, chest, shoulders or back. It is unknown why they develop but it is thought that either genetics or hormones play a role. As you get older, you may develop more of them because they tend to increase with age.
Treatment is typically recommended for cosmetic reasons only. As seborrheic keratoses can vary significantly in size and color, they may cause concern for some people. In most cases, removal is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be done by your doctor or dermatologist.
Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin condition that many people develop as they age. It usually appears as brown, black or light tan growths on the face, chest, shoulders and back. Seborrheic Keratosis can appear in singles or in groupings and range in size from small pinheads to large warts. They are often mistaken for warts or moles.
Seborrheic Keratosis is not cancerous. In fact, it is completely harmless and requires no treatment other than cosmetic removal if desired. Dermatologist often advise against removal because of the risk of scarring the area after treatment. The most common procedure for removing moles is by freezing them off with liquid nitrogen which may cause a slight discoloration of the skin after the lesions have been removed.