About Seborrheic Keratosis

Overview

Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin condition characterized by noncancerous growths on the skin. These growths can vary in color and typically appear on the back, shoulders, chest, face, scalp, neck, arms, and legs. They may resemble moles or warts and can range in color from white to black. Seborrheic keratoses are usually harmless and do not pose a risk for skin cancer. While they may not cause symptoms, they can occasionally itch or become irritated if scratched or rubbed against clothing. The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not well understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as sun exposure, may play a role. It is important to note that seborrheic keratosis is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact physiologic causes of seborrheic keratosis are unknown. There are several factors that may contribute to its development:

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age: Seborrheic keratosis is more common in individuals aged 50 years or above.
Genetic factors: Some people may have a genetic mutation that increases their susceptibility to developing a high number of seborrheic keratoses or having a family history of the condition.

Modifiable risk factors:

Skin damage: Certain types of seborrheic keratoses may appear after skin irritation or sunburn.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light: There may be a link between UV light exposure and the development of seborrheic keratoses, similar to solar lentigo.
Medication: Individuals who use epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors to treat cancer may have a higher risk of developing warty growths.
Skin friction: Increased friction on the skin, such as in skin folds, may increase the risk of seborrheic keratosis.

It's important to note that seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and do not spread from contact with others. If you have concerns about your risk factors or the development of seborrheic keratoses, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Symptoms

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin lesion that can have different symptoms depending on the stage and severity.

Common Symptoms:

Round or oval-shaped growths.
Slightly raised lesions.
Waxy or scale-like texture.
Typically appear on the face, chest, back, stomach, or shoulders.
Usually not found on the palms of hands or soles of feet.
May be brown, black, white, or tan in color.
Generally do not cause pain or itchiness.

Later Stages/Progression:

Lesions may grow larger and thicker over time.
Can reach up to 1 inch in diameter.
Darkening of the lesions over time.
Greasy appearance.
Lesions may look as though they were glued onto the skin.

It's important to note that scratching or picking at seborrheic keratoses can lead to secondary infections. If you experience any changes in your skin or have concerns about your symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Diagnosis

To diagnose seborrheic keratosis, the following examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:

History and Physical Exam: A healthcare provider will take a detailed history about any symptoms or factors that could be contributing to your condition. They will visually examine the skin for physical signs of seborrheic keratosis.
Biopsy: In rare cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a portion of the growth and examining it under a microscope.

It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which examinations, tests, and procedures are appropriate for your individual situation.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for seborrheic keratosis are primarily focused on addressing cosmetic concerns and removing any suspicious or bothersome growths. Here are the different treatment options and how they work:

Cryotherapy: This involves using cold temperatures to freeze and destroy the growth. It works by causing the cells to die and eventually fall off.
Shave excision: A sample of the growth is shaved off and sent to a lab for analysis. This procedure helps in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out any cancerous cells.
Laser therapy: A specialized laser is used to vaporize the growth. It works by targeting the pigment in the cells, causing them to break down and be eliminated.
Electrodesiccation with or without curettage: An electric current is used to burn and destroy the growth. Curettage, which involves scraping off the treated area, may also be performed.

Additionally, topical medications may be used as an alternative treatment option to help reduce seborrheic keratosis. Examples include prescription strength hydrogen peroxide and tazarotene gel. Topical medications may require multiple application or long-term use for effect. It's important to note that since seborrheic keratosis is typically harmless, treatment is often unnecessary unless for cosmetic reasons or suspicion of cancer.

Remember, it's always best to consult with a dermatologist who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for you. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for Side effect information.