Seborrheic keratosis

Description

A seborrheic keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a common non-cancerous (benign) growth of the skin. People tend to get more of them as they grow.

Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light brown. The growths (lesions) aspect or waxy, scaly and slightly raised. Appear gradually, usually on the face, neck, chest, or back.

Seborrheic keratoses are harmless and are not contagious. They do not need treatment, but you may decide to remove them if they become irritated by clothing or not you like how they look.

Symptoms

A seborrheic keratosis grows little by little. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • A round or oval in shape, wax or rude blow, usually on the face, chest, shoulders or back
  • A stable growth or slightly lump with a scaly surface, with a characteristic "pasted on" look
  • Varied in size, from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width
  • Number varied, ranging from a single growth to multiple growths
  • Very small growths clustered around the eyes or on other parts of the face, sometimes called moles or skin dermatosis papulosa nigra, common in Black or brown skin
  • Varied in color, ranging from tan to brown or black
  • Itching

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if the appearance of the growth is uncomfortable or if it is irritated or bleeds when clothes rub against it. Also consult with your doctor if you notice any suspicious changes in the skin, such as ulcers or tumors that grow rapidly, bleed, and do not heal. These could be signs of skin cancer.

Causes

The experts don't completely understand what causes seborrheic keratosis. This type of skin growth tends to occur in families, so it is not likely that an inherited tendency. If you have had a seborrheic keratosis, you are at risk of developing others.

A seborrheic keratosis is not contagious or cancerous.

Risk factors

The maximum time for the development of seborrheic keratoses is after 50. You are also more likely to have if you have a family history of the disease.

Seborrheic keratosis

Diagnosis

Your doctor can tell you if you have a seborrheic keratosis looking at the affected skin. If there is a doubt about the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend the removal of the growth, so that it can be examined under a microscope.

Treatment

A seborrheic keratosis, in general, does not go away on its own, but treatment is not necessary. You can opt to have them removed if it is irritated or bleeds, or if you don't like how it looks or feels.

Seborrheic keratosis removal can be accomplished with one or a combination of the following methods:

  • The freezing of the growth. The freezing of a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) may be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. This does not always work in raised, thicker growths. This method carries the risk of permanent loss of pigment, especially in Black or brown skin.
  • Scraping (curettage) or shave the surface of the skin. In the first place, your doctor will numb the area and then use a scalpel blade to remove the growth. Sometimes, shaving or scraping is used in conjunction with cryosurgery for the treatment of diluent or the plane of growth.
  • Burned with an electric current (electrocautery). In the first place, your doctor will numb the area and then destroy the growth with electrocautery. This method can be used alone or with the scraping, especially when the removal of growths thicker.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each method. Some methods may cause temporary or permanent skin discoloration and scars. After treatment, you could develop a new seborrhoeic dermatosis of other parts of the body.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care physician. In some cases, when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).

Because appointments can be brief, it is a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

For a seborrheic keratosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • The tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What treatments can cause scarring or permanent discoloration of the skin?
  • Will be the point of go away on its own?
  • What will be the cost of the treatments? Does insurance cover these costs?
  • What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

  • When did you first notice the injury on the skin?
  • Have you noticed that several of the growths?
  • Have you noticed changes in growth?
  • Is the condition bothering?
  • Do any of the members of the family also have this condition?
Symptoms and treatment of Seborrheic keratosis