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Seborrheic Keratosis

(Benign Skin Tumors)

Definition

Seborrheic keratosis is a type of benign (noncancerous) raised growth on the skin. Seborrheic means greasy (often the growth is not greasy). Keratosis means thickening of skin. The growths develop from the top layer of skin. These growths may look like warts. But, they do not extend deep into the skin or contain the viruses that cause warts.
Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, do not spread, and do not turn into cancerous tumors. They do not threaten your health. But, they can be irritating or cosmetically displeasing.
Skin Section with Seborrheic Keratosis
skin section mole
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Causes

The direct cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:
  • Age: over 40
  • Having close family members with the condition

Symptoms

Seborrheic keratosis:
  • Can be located anywhere on body, but usually appear on the chest, torso, face, shoulders, or back
  • Are typically yellow, tan, brown, or black
  • Are raised
  • May have a rough or wart-like texture
  • May have a pasted look, as if dirt or clay is stuck on the skin
  • Usually have a round or oval shape
  • Can be one or more than one growths
  • May be itchy
  • Can be irritated by clothing or jewelry and can bleed if picked or rubbed

Diagnosis

Some seborrheic keratoses appear dark. It may be difficult to tell them apart from pigmented growths that are prone to becoming cancerous. It is important that you have a doctor check and make sure they are seborrheic keratoses. Doctors can usually make an accurate diagnosis upon examination of the skin growth. A biopsy can be done to make sure in uncertain cases.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Seborrheic keratoses do not pose a threat to your health. The best course of action may be to leave them alone. If they itch or become irritated, or if you feel they affect your appearance, they can be removed.
Treatment options include:

Cryosurgery: Removal by Freezing

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the cells of the seborrheic keratosis. It leaves the underlying connective tissue complete. This procedure leaves a crust that falls off after several days. There might be a flat scar or lighter colored skin.

Surgical Removal: Scraping or Shaving off

Your doctor can use a scalpel or razor to cut the growth off. This may leave a little scarring.

Laser Removal

The growths can be burned off with a laser (rarely necessary).

Prevention

There are no steps to prevent seborrheic keratosis because the cause is not clear.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org/for-the-public/home

American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Dermatology Association http://www.dermatology.ca/

Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca

References

Seborrheic keratosis. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common%5Fseb%5Fkeratoses.html . Accessed November 16, 2012.

Seborrheic keratosis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic%5Fdiseases/seborrheic%5Fkeratos.html . Accessed November 16, 2012.

Seborrheic keratosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated August 22, 2011. Accessed November 16, 2012.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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