Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, neck, and trunk. It is also known as seborrheic wart or basal cell papilloma.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors for developing seborrheic keratosis include:

• Age: Seborrheic keratosis is more common in older adults, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.
• Family history: Having a family history of seborrheic keratosis may increase an individual's risk of developing the condition.
• Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure may contribute to the development of seborrheic keratosis, particularly in fair-skinned individuals.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Seborrheic keratoses are typically:

• Small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
• Round or oval in shape.
• Tan, brown, or black in color, although they can also be flesh-colored or pink.
• Raised and may have a waxy or stuck-on appearance.
• Sometimes itchy or irritated, particularly if they are rubbed or scratched.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Seborrheic keratoses are usually diagnosed based on their appearance, but in some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is not always necessary, as seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not typically cause any symptoms or health problems. However, if they are causing discomfort or are cosmetically undesirable, treatment options include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen to destroy the affected cells.
• Shave excision: Removing the growth with a razor or scalpel.
• Laser therapy: Using a laser to remove the growth.

Prevention

While it is not possible to completely prevent seborrheic keratosis, protecting the skin from the sun and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help reduce the risk of developing these growths. This can be achieved by:

• Wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and long-sleeved shirt, when spending time outdoors.
• Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapplying regularly.
• Seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Seborrheic keratosis?
A common, benign skin growth that appears as a brown, black, or tan growth on the skin.

What are the symptoms of Seborrheic keratosis?
Typically painless, but may be itchy or irritated, and can appear anywhere on the body.

What causes Seborrheic keratosis?
Exact cause is unknown, but may be related to aging, sun exposure, and genetic factors.

Is Seborrheic keratosis contagious?
No, it is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Can Seborrheic keratosis be cancerous?
Rarely, but in some cases, it may be difficult to distinguish from melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

How is Seborrheic keratosis diagnosed?
Typically through visual examination and sometimes a biopsy to rule out other conditions.

Can Seborrheic keratosis be removed?
Yes, removal methods include cryotherapy, surgical excision, and laser treatment.

Do all Seborrheic keratoses need to be removed?
No, only those that are suspicious, irritated, or cosmetically concerning typically require removal.

Can Seborrheic keratosis be prevented?
Possibly, by protecting the skin from sun exposure and avoiding excessive UV radiation.

Is there a cure for Seborrheic keratosis?
Removal of individual lesions is possible, but new growths may still appear over time.