Seborrheic Keratosis

Overview

Seborrheic keratosis is a common noncancerous skin growth that tends to appear gradually as people get older. These growths are usually brown, black, or light tan and appear as waxy or scaly, slightly raised bumps on the face, neck, chest, or back. Seborrheic keratoses are harmless and not contagious, but you may choose to have them removed if they become irritated by clothing or if you simply don't like their appearance. They're not related to seborrheic dermatitis or keratoconus, which are separate conditions affecting the skin and eyes, respectively.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of seborrheic keratosis include a round or oval-shaped waxy or rough bump that gradually appears on the face, chest, neck, or back. These growths are typically brown, black, or light tan and have a characteristic "pasted on" look. They may vary in size, from very small to more than 1 inch across. Seborrheic keratoses are harmless and not contagious, but you may choose to have them removed if they become irritated by clothing or you don't like how they look.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing seborrheic keratosis include:

1. Age: The peak time for developing seborrheic keratoses is after the age of 50.
2. Family history: People with a family history of the condition are more likely to have seborrheic keratoses. It is important to note that seborrheic keratosis is not contagious or cancerous.

Development

Seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous skin growths that tend to develop gradually as people get older. They are usually brown, black, or light tan and appear as waxy or scaly, slightly raised bumps on the face, neck, chest, or back. The growths are harmless and not contagious. They don't need treatment, but individuals may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated by clothing. Seborrheic keratoses are thought to have a genetic component, as they tend to run in families, and having one seborrheic keratosis increases the risk of developing others.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if seborrheic keratosis is suspected if the appearance of the growth bothers you or if it gets irritated or bleeds when your clothing rubs against it. Additionally, see your doctor if you notice suspicious changes in your skin, such as sores or growths that grow rapidly, bleed, and don't heal. These could be signs of skin cancer.

Diagnosis

To diagnose seborrheic keratosis, your healthcare provider will typically examine the affected skin. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, your doctor might recommend removing the growth so it can be examined under a microscope. Seborrheic keratosis can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and microscopic analysis.

Management and Treatment

Home Remedies

Home remedies are generally not recommended for seborrheic keratosis since they are harmless and not contagious. However, if the growths become irritated or bothersome due to clothing, you can try the following:

1. Sunscreen: Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher may help protect the skin and reduce irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the growths.
2. Avoid irritants: Be cautious with products that may irritate the skin, such as fragrances, harsh soaps, and detergents. When possible, use gentle, fragrance-free products.
3. Loose clothing: Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help minimize friction and irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the growths.
4. Moisturizing: Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the affected area can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
5. Over-the-counter products: For removal of seborrheic keratosis, you can try salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid-based products, which help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. However, these products may not eliminate the growth entirely, and it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid skin irritation. Remember, seborrheic keratoses are generally harmless and don't require treatment. If the growths become irritated or you're concerned about their appearance, consult a dermatologist for advice on the best course of action.

Treatment

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, noncancerous skin growth that typically appears on the face, neck, chest, or back. They are harmless and do not need treatment, but you may choose to have them removed if they become irritated by clothing or you don't like their appearance. Treatment options for seborrheic keratosis include:

1. Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth, causing it to freeze and fall off within a few days. This method is effective for small keratoses but may cause skin discoloration or scarring.
2. Curettage: A medical professional uses a sharp instrument called a curette to scrape the growth from the skin. This method may leave a small scar but is effective for larger keratoses.
3. Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C): This procedure combines electrical energy with curettage. After removing the growth with a curette, an electrical current is applied to the base to minimize bleeding and promote healing.
4. Chemical peels: A concentrated salicylic acid solution is applied to the growth, which gradually dissolves the skin. This method may take several weeks to work and can cause skin irritation.
5. Topical treatments: Certain creams or gels containing salicylic acid, retinoids, or hydrogen peroxide can help slow the growth of new keratoses and reduce the appearance of existing ones.
6. Laser therapy: This option uses a specific wavelength of light to target the keratoses without damaging the surrounding skin. It is less invasive than other methods but may require multiple sessions. Please consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific case, as they can evaluate your skin condition and recommend the most appropriate therapy.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for seborrheic keratosis, you should:

1. Gather information: Learn as much as you can about seborrheic keratosis, its symptoms, and treatment options. This will help you ask informed questions during your appointment.
2. Note