What is a seborrheic keratosis?

A seborrheic keratosis is a benign (noncancerous) skin growth that many people develop, especially as they age.

Seborrheic keratoses aren’t contagious, so you can’t pass them on to others. They’re typically harmless and don’t require treatment, but you may prefer to remove them if they become uncomfortable or you don’t like their appearance.

A seborrheic keratosis is usually round or oval and a varying shade of brown or black. The lesions are slightly raised, look waxy or scaly, and sometimes itch. They may appear as single growths or clusters, gradually developing on the face, neck, back, or chest.

Why would I get seborrheic keratoses? 

It’s unclear why some people develop seborrheic keratoses. However, they tend to run in families, so there’s likely a genetic influence.

Seborrheic keratoses are most likely to appear after age 50. If you’ve already had one, your risk of developing more is significantly higher.

Do I need to seek medical advice for a seborrheic keratosis?

Most seborrheic keratoses are harmless, but if their appearance bothers you or they become a nuisance (for example, by rubbing on your clothes and bleeding), the Integrated Dermatology of NJ team can remove them.

You should also visit the practice if you develop sores or fast-growing growths that bleed and fail to heal. These changes could be indicative of skin cancer.

How are seborrheic keratoses diagnosed and treated?

The Integrated Dermatology of NJ team can usually diagnose seborrheic keratosis by examining the affected skin. If there’s any doubt, your provider might recommend removing the lesion for lab analysis.

Your provider can remove a seborrheic keratosis using one or a combination of these methods:

Cryotherapy which involves freezing the seborrheic keratosis with liquid nitrogen.

Curettage is scraping or shaving the seborrheic keratosis. Your provider numbs the skin and then uses a scalpel blade to slice off the growth. They may combine curettage with cryosurgery for thin or flat lesions.

Electrocautery burns the seborrheic keratosis with an electric current after numbing the area. Your provider may also employ curettage when removing thicker lesions.

Each method has risks and benefits, such as skin discoloration and scarring, which your provider will explain before the procedure.

It’s also important to remember that new seborrheic keratoses could develop in the future.

Call Integrated Dermatology of NJ to arrange an evaluation or using the online booking feature today.