What is a Seborrheic Keratoses?
A seborrheic keratosis (also known as seborrhoeic keratosis) is a noncancerous skin growth. Keratosis is a benign, non-cancerous growth, meaning it is generally harmless and not a sign of skin cancer. They usually appear as brown, light tan, or black, and can appear waxy, scaly, and slightly raised, often with a rough texture. While they can appear anywhere on the body except for the soles of the feet or the palms, they most commonly appear on the face, head, scalp, neck, chest, and back. They are harmless and not contagious, and while they usually do not require treatment, they can become irritated by some clothing.
Common signs of a seborrheic keratosis include:
- Round or oval in shape.
- Light tan, brown, or black in color.
- Is flat or slightly raised with a scaly texture.
- May be itchy.
Causes and Risk Factors of Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin growth that can develop on almost any part of the body, except for the palms and soles. While the exact cause remains unclear, several factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing these growths. Sun exposure is a significant risk factor, as seborrheic keratoses often appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Age also plays a major role; most people notice these benign skin growths as they get older, with the frequency increasing in middle age and beyond.
Genetics can influence your risk as well. If you have a family history of seborrheic keratoses, you may be more likely to develop them yourself, suggesting a genetic component to this skin condition. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with changes in estrogen levels, may also contribute to the appearance of these growths. While people with lighter skin tend to develop seborrheic keratoses more frequently, these benign lesions can also occur in individuals with darker skin. Understanding these risk factors can help you monitor your skin for new growths and seek advice from a healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
Diagnosis of Seborrheic Keratoses
Diagnosing seborrheic keratosis typically begins with a thorough physical exam by a healthcare provider or dermatologist. During this examination, the provider will assess the growth’s appearance, including its color, shape, and texture, to determine if it matches the typical features of seborrheic keratosis. In some cases, a dermatoscope may be used to get a closer look at the skin growth and its unique characteristics.
If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the growth has features that could suggest skin cancer or actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be recommended. This involves removing a small sample of the affected skin and examining it under a microscope to confirm whether the lesion is benign or cancerous. Your medical history, family history, and any symptoms you are experiencing will also be considered during the diagnosis process.
It is important to distinguish seborrheic keratosis from other skin conditions, as some, like actinic keratosis or certain types of skin cancer, may require different treatments. Early and accurate diagnosis ensures that you receive the most appropriate care and helps prevent potential complications. If you notice any new, changing, or concerning skin growths, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for a professional evaluation.
Treatment Options for a Seborrheic Keratoses
For those with seborrheic keratoses that become irritated, feel itchy, cause chronic irritation, or bleed, seborrheic keratosis removal is often considered. Removal is also frequently performed for cosmetic reasons or if there is suspicion of malignancy. There are a number of removal options available, including:
- Cryosurgery: Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen can effectively remove it. Cryotherapy is a common treatment for seborrheic keratoses due to its simplicity and low complication rates. However, this option is not always the best choice for raised, thicker growths.
- Electrocautery: This includes numbing the area and then destroying the lesion using an electric current. This method can be used alone or with scraping, specifically with thicker lesions.
- Curettage: The treatment area will be numbed, and a special scalpel blade will be used to remove the growth. Cryosurgery is sometimes used along with this technique to remove thinner or flatter growths.
- Ablation: This involves using different types of laser treatments, such as YAG and CO2 lasers, to vaporize the growth. Laser therapy and laser treatment are advanced options for seborrheic keratosis removal, offering effective results, faster healing, and less hyperpigmentation compared to traditional methods like cryotherapy or electrodesiccation.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment: For raised growths, your dermatologist may prescribe a solution of 40% hydrogen peroxide, which is applied to the skin. This treatment has been proven effective in eliminating a seborrheic keratosis.
Following treatment for seborrheic keratoses, the skin may appear lighter at the site of removal. This will become less noticeable over time. While most lesions will not return at the same site after seborrheic keratosis is treated, it is possible to develop a new one on another area of the body. Dermatologists can help treat seborrheic keratosis using a variety of methods tailored to the patient’s needs.
Ideal Candidates for Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment
If you have a seborrheic keratosis that causes discomfort due to irritation, or if you have multiple seborrheic keratoses, notice lesions that are bleeding, or observe rapid changes, you may be at higher risk for underlying conditions and should seek evaluation. Be sure to see a dermatologist such as Dr. Erwin, as dermatologists are specially trained to assess and manage these cases. She will carefully assess your skin growths to determine the best plan of action. It is always better to be too cautious than ignore a growth that could potentially lead to a serious problem.
Contact Us Today
If you are bothered by a seborrheic keratosis and would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact our office by calling 979-543-9933. We will be happy to assist you in scheduling your initial appointment with Dr. Erwin, during which she can assess your lesion and determine the most effective plan of action.
