Seborrheic Keratosis
Overview
Seborrheic keratoses are harmless skin growths that are quite common, especially in older adults. They are typically flat or slightly raised, and have a waxy or scaly appearance. The colors of these growths are often brown, black, or light tan. These growths develop slowly and are usually found on the face, neck, chest, or back. They are not cancerous.
Symptoms
Seborrheic keratoses are skin growths that develop slowly over time. They often appear as:
- A bump: This bump can be round or oval-shaped and feel waxy or rough. It's frequently found on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. Imagine a small, slightly raised patch of skin that has a slightly rough texture.
- A flat or slightly raised area: Sometimes the growth is flatter, like a slightly raised patch of skin. It might have a scaly surface, giving it a "stuck-on" look, as if a piece of something was glued to the skin.
- Different sizes: These growths can be very small or more than an inch wide.
- Multiple or single growths: You might have just one, or several, of these growths.
- Small growths around the eyes (or other areas): Sometimes tiny growths cluster around the eyes or other parts of the face. These might be called "flesh moles" or "dermatosis papulosa nigra," and are more common on darker skin tones.
- Different colors: Seborrheic keratoses can range in color from light tan to brown or black.
- Itchiness: Some people experience itching or irritation where the growth is located.
Essentially, seborrheic keratoses are common, harmless skin growths that can vary in appearance and location, but are usually not painful.
When to see a doctor
If a skin growth looks unusual or is irritated, bleeds easily, or gets sore when clothes rub against it, see your doctor. Also, if you notice any skin changes like new sores, growths that are growing quickly, or sores that bleed and won't heal, see a doctor right away. These could be warning signs of skin cancer. It's important to get any concerning skin changes checked out by a medical professional.
Causes
Seborrheic keratoses are skin growths that aren't fully understood. Scientists think there might be a family link, meaning a tendency to get them can be passed down through generations. If you have one, you're more likely to get others.
Important to know: seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and are not a form of cancer.
Risk factors
Seborrheic keratoses, which are common skin growths, often appear for the first time after age 50. Having a family member with these growths also increases your chances of getting them. In other words, if your parents or grandparents had seborrheic keratoses, you might be more likely to develop them as well.
Diagnosis
Doctors can typically identify seborrheic keratoses just by looking at the skin. If there's any doubt about what's causing the spot, the doctor might suggest taking a small sample of the growth. This sample can then be examined closely under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Seborrheic keratosis is a skin growth that usually doesn't go away without treatment. While you don't have to remove it, you might want to if it's bothersome, bleeds, or looks unpleasant.
If you decide to remove it, several methods are available. It's crucial to discuss these options with your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits for your specific situation. Some treatments can cause temporary or permanent changes to the skin's color and texture. Also, in some cases, a new seborrheic keratosis might appear elsewhere on your body after treatment.
Here are some common removal methods:
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Freezing: Using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) to freeze the growth can be effective. However, this method might not work as well on larger, raised growths. A significant risk, particularly for people with darker skin tones, is that the treatment could cause permanent loss of skin color in the treated area.
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Scraping (Curettage) or Shaving: Your doctor will first numb the area. Then, they'll use a small tool (a scalpel blade) to scrape or shave off the growth. Sometimes, this method is combined with freezing to treat flatter or thinner growths.
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Burning (Electrocautery): Your doctor will first numb the area. Then, they'll use an electric current to destroy the growth. This method can be used alone or in conjunction with scraping, especially for thicker growths.
It's important to talk to your doctor about which method is best for you and to understand the possible side effects.
Preparing for your appointment
To get a diagnosis and treatment plan for a seborrheic keratosis, you'll probably start by seeing your family doctor. Sometimes, they'll refer you right away to a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions).
Since doctor's appointments are often short, it's helpful to be prepared. Here's how:
Before Your Appointment:
Think about questions you want to ask. For a seborrheic keratosis, some important questions include:
- What's causing this? (What's the diagnosis?)
- What are my treatment options?
- Could any treatment leave a scar or change the color of my skin?
- Will this spot likely go away on its own?
- How much will treatment cost? Will my insurance cover it?
- What are the warning signs of skin changes I should watch out for?
During Your Appointment:
Be ready to answer questions your doctor might ask, too. For example:
- When did you first notice this spot? (When did you first see the skin growth?)
- Have you noticed more than one spot?
- Has the spot changed in any way since you first noticed it? (Size, shape, color, or anything else?)
- Does this spot bother you?
- Do any other family members have a similar skin condition?
By being prepared with questions and answers, you can get the best possible care for your seborrheic keratosis.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.