Seborrheic Keratosis
What is it?
A seborrheic keratosis is a benign (noncancerous)
growth on skin that is similar in appearance to a wart.
Referred to as seborrheic keratoses when there is more
than one.
Who gets it?
Seborrheic keratoses appear in adults.
What causes it?
The cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown.
What are the symptoms?
Seborrheic keratoses often have a rough, brown
appearance. They are most often found on the torso and
around the temples of the face. They vary in size, and
have the appearance of being “stuck” on the skin. These
types of growths occasionally itch and flake.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a seborrheic keratosis is based on the
appearance of a brown, rough, stuck-on lesion. In cases
where the diagnosis is in doubt, your doctor may want to
perform an excision or biopsy so the tissue can be studied
under a microscope.
What is the treatment?
In most cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if
the growth is irritated, it can be frozen or scraped off.
Self-care tips
Because the cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown,
there are no guidelines for protecting yourself from this
condition. However, you should have a doctor examine any
skin growth that undergoes a change in appearance, such as
bleeding or rapid growth.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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