Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are very common non-cancerous skin growths which are found almost anywhere on the body. People usually have more than one.

SKs often start as small raised areas or dry patches. They typically thicken and can develop a rough texture. Some appear warty, others smooth and waxy. Their size is quite variable ranging from smaller than a dime to larger than a half-dollar. Many SKs are brown, but can range in color from light yellow to black. Most have a stuck-on appearance. Although it appears as if you can scratch them off, they often recur.

Causes

Although the cause of SKs is unknown, they tend to run in families. This is particularly true for individuals who have many SKs or who get them at younger ages. Sun exposure may be a contributing factor in some people; however these growths often develop in areas covered from the sun. They are not caused by infection, are not contagious and are not cancerous.

Who Get Them

Anyone and almost everyone. They are often first noticed in ages 40-60, but can occur earlier or later.

Treatment

SKs are not cancerous and most often do not require treatment. Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether a spot is an SK or a more dangerous growth. SKs can grow quickly or become dark black in color. They may itch or bleed. These questionable spots should be checked by your dermatologist to determine whether there is a more worrisome growth. A biopsy may be recommended in order to look at it more closely.

The vast majority of SKs do not require treatment and treatment may not be covered by insurance or Medicare.

If treatment is necessary, options include cryotherapy, electrosurgery and curettage. SKs often grow back with any type of treatment method.

Cryotherapy

Nitrogen, in its liquid form, is extremely cold and is typically applied to the skin with a spray gun. Cotton-tipped applicators can also be used. This treatment is similar to frostbite and causes the SK to fall off in a few days. A blister may form under the skin which develops into a crust. The growth then crumbles off over the next few days. A bandage is usually not necessary. Sometimes the area of treated skin has a spot that is either lighter or darker than the normal skin tone.

Electrosurgery and Curettage

This treatment requires numbing the skin with a shot, then using an electric current to burn the lesion. A sharp instrument (curette) is then used to scrape off the remainder of the growth. This results in an open wound that is bandaged. This area heals over the next several days and typically results in a white scar.

Mistaken Identity

Seborrheic keratoses can look like warts, moles and skin cancer. Your dermatologist often can distinguish these by just looking at the growth, but sometimes a biopsy is needed. If you have any questions about a skin lesion it is best to have it checked.