Seborrheic keratosis is the presence of noncancerous wart-like growths on the skin surface. Its other names are barnacle, senile keratosis, seborrheic verruca, and senile warts. This noncancerous growth on the skin starts in the major constituent of the epidermis called keratinocyte. Seborrheic keratosis becomes more evident as people age just like with age spots.
The term “seborrheic keratosis” is a combination of the adjective form of the word seborrhea (which refers to the skin disorder that causes flaky, scaly, and itchy, reddish skin and affects the sebum-gland rich areas), and keratinocyte (the part of the epidermis that creates keratin) and the suffix -osis which is used to mean abnormal.
Different colors from light tan to black may characterize the occurrence of seborrheic keratoses. From a tiny dot to over one inch across, the measurement may vary.
Even though it has no viral origins, it can look like a wart and even melanoma skin cancer. Since only the top layer of the outermost skin is affected, seborrheic keratosis can be described to have a pasted on appearance.
It is still undetermined why there are seborrheic keratoses appearing on some individuals. Nonetheless, UV rays can be pointed out given the fact the sun-exposed body parts are affected. The body areas greatly affected are back, face, neck, and arms. Also, genetics can also be a factor to be considered on determining the cause of seborrheic keratosis.
The horny pearls and the embedded cysts can be attributed to its transpiration on the skin. If you are in doubt, it is best to meet a skin expert. Skin biopsy is one good solution to this.
In appearance, seborrheic keratosis is somehow the same as epidermal nevi. It is best to have dermatoscopy knowing that it may look like warts or condylomas. A skin biopsy is necessary for you to differ it from condylomas when it is on the genital skin or on the penis.
Just as long as there is a right diagnosis to the condition, no more treatment is needed. If the lesions are picked, there is a small risk that the surrounding areas of the skin would be infected locally. Cryosurgery can be greatly helpful if the growth becomes sharply itchy.
For those individuals who have tiny lesions, light electrocautery is the best treatment to be considered. There are different ways like cryotherapy, electrodessication and curettage, and shave excision that can be taken by those who have bigger lesions. Proper performance of the treatment is needed for the skin to have not much visible scarring save for those who have dark skins.