Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are wart-like growths on the skin. These growths are not cancer. Many people get them, especially after age 30.

What causes seborrheic keratoses?

Doctors do not know what causes seborrheic keratoses. They may run in families. In addition, they become more common as people get older.

What are the symptoms of seborrheic keratoses?

Here is what seborrheic keratoses often look like:

• They tend to be round or oval in shape. They can be very small or about as big across as a quarter.

• They can appear singly or in clusters.

• They tend to be tan, brown, or black in color.

• The edges may be scalloped or uneven-looking.

• They can have a waxy or scaly look.

• They can be a bit raised, appearing to be “stuck on” the skin.

• They may become red and irritated if scratched or rubbed by clothing

Sebhorreic keratoses are not painful, but they may be itchy. They can become irritated if they are continually rubbed by skin or clothing. Seborrheic keratoses most often appear on the face, arms, chest, back, or belly.

How are seborrheic keratoses treated?

Seborrheic keratoses don’t need to be treated unless they bother you. You may choose to have them removed because you find them unattractive. You may also want them removed because they get irritated and uncomfortable. A healthcare provider can remove them in an office visit. Ways that seborrheic keratoses can be removed include:

• Freezing them off with liquid nitrogen

• Cutting them off with a scalpel

• Burning them off with electricity

What are the complications of seborrheic keratoses?

Seborrheic keratoses are not cancer, but they can look like some types of skin cancer. So it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider to check any new skin growths. Ask your healthcare provider about any skin problem that concerns you.