A seborrheic keratosis is a common, noncancerous growth. Seborrheic keratoses usually develop with age and appear as brown, black, or tan, waxy, flat or raised growths, with a characteristic stuck-on appearance. Seborrheic keratoses are benign (harmless) and usually require no treatment. Occasionally they can become itchy, inflamed, bleed, or irritated from catching on clothing and jewelry. They can appear anywhere on the skin and most commonly occur on the face, chest, shoulders, back, and extremities. .
While seborrheic keratoses are benign, it is important to have growths and changes to your skin evaluated by a dermatologist. It can be difficult to distinguish between normal and dangerous growths and it is especially important to have new or changing growths medically evaluated, given seborrheic keratoses can sometimes look like other more medically serious conditions such as malignant melanoma. The decades of combined dermatological and surgical experience at Skin and Laser Dermatology Center will ensure your provider has the expertise to evaluate and manage your skin conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seborrheic keratoses have a wide range in color from light brown to black and can come in many shapes and sizes. They are often wart-like, with a flat or slightly raised scaly surface.
It is not known exactly what causes seborrheic keratoses. They appear to run in some families, so genetics may play a role. There is some evidence to suggest that skin that is exposed to the sun is more likely to develop a seborrheic keratosis, however, they can appear on sun-protected skin.
Most individuals in their 40’s and older or have a family history of seborrheic keratoses are more likely to develop them. Usually, with advancing age the number of keratoses increases.
Should you desire to have a seborrheic keratosis cosmetically removed, your provider at Skin and Laser Dermatology Center will determine what the best method of removal is. Four of the most common removal methods are:
- Cryosurgery, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth
- Electrocautery, which uses an electrical current to scrape off the growth
- Curettage, which uses a specialized instrument to scrape off the the seborrheic keratosis
- Lasers, such as the CO2 ablation, which uses precise and safe high energy to resurface the affected areas
All of these removal methods can be performed in the outpatient clinic with very minimal side effects and usually almost no down time after treatment.
Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.
Our Clients Say
My eyelid surgery results for the facial wrinkles look very natural. Very skilled dermatologic surgeon.
Dr. Bajoghli always has time for his patients, you never feel that he is rushing you and after you leave if you have any concerns he is very responsive to the point of giving out his cell phone number. I can’t say enough about him and his staff.
Nurse Rassmussen answers all of my questions, listens to my concerns, examines my skin, goes over my treatment protocol and gets me out the door quickly, but without feeling rushed, so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I have already recommended this practice to a couple of friends, and I will continue to do so with confidence.
I really appreciate the polite and professional service that Dr. Bajoghli’s practice provides in my dermatologic health. All of his staff make you feel welcome and are concerned for your care. Speaking as someone who neglected his skin care when I was young, I appreciate having a physician who is personally concerned for his patients.