What do seborrheic keratoses look like?

Seborrheic keratoses can vary significantly in size, shape, color and texture. They may be tan, brown, black, white or similar to your natural skin tone.

These growths commonly appear:

Waxy or rough
Raised above the surrounding skin
Round or oval
Scaly or crusted
As though they have been pasted or “stuck” onto the skin
Individually or in clusters

Seborrheic keratoses frequently develop on the face, scalp, neck, chest, shoulders, back or abdomen. They generally do not form on the palms or soles.

Most SKs do not cause symptoms, but some become itchy, irritated or tender. A raised growth may catch on clothing, jewelry or grooming tools and begin bleeding.

What causes seborrheic keratoses?

The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not fully understood. They are more likely to develop as people grow older, and a tendency to have numerous growths can run in families.

Seborrheic keratoses are not caused by a virus and cannot spread from one person to another. They are not contagious and do not develop because the skin is unclean.

Are seborrheic keratoses cancerous?

Seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not normally become skin cancer. However, some skin cancers can resemble an SK, especially when a growth is dark, crusted, irritated or changing.

Schedule a dermatology evaluation if a growth:

Changes rapidly
Develops an irregular shape
Becomes unusually dark
Bleeds without an obvious injury
Remains sore or irritated
Looks different from your other growths
Appears suddenly and continues growing

Your provider may examine the growth with a dermatoscope. A biopsy may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain.

How are seborrheic keratoses treated?

Most seborrheic keratoses do not require treatment. Removal may be recommended if a growth is irritated, repeatedly catches on clothing, interferes with grooming or creates a cosmetic concern.

Treatment options may include:

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
Curettage to remove the growth from the skin
Electrosurgery
Shave removal
A combination of treatment techniques

The most appropriate method depends on the thickness, size, color and location of the growth.

Temporary redness, crusting, tenderness or changes in skin color may occur after removal. A treated growth can occasionally return, and new seborrheic keratoses may continue developing elsewhere.

Should I remove a seborrheic keratosis at home?

Do not cut, scrape, burn or freeze a suspected seborrheic keratosis at home. Without a professional examination, it can be difficult to know whether the growth is actually an SK.

Attempting to remove it yourself can cause bleeding, infection, scarring or delayed diagnosis of a more serious condition.

Schedule a seborrheic keratosis consultation

A new or changing growth should not automatically be assumed to be a seborrheic keratosis. The Dermatology Clinic can examine the area, confirm the diagnosis and recommend removal when the growth is irritated or bothersome. Contact us today to get scheduled.