Seborrheic keratosis is a type of skin growth. Similar to age spots, they occur more as people grow older. Seborrheic keratoses aren’t harmful. They can, however, be confused with melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer. If your skin changes unexpectedly, you should visit a doctor.
Seborrheic Keratosis can be spotted on your chest, scalp, shoulders, back, abdomen, face. Places like palms and feet are immune to this skin condition. People find this skin condition annoying because it could get caught in your clothing. Also, it could present them with a cosmetic problem. Some people have Seborrheic Keratosis on their body where their clothing automatically hides it, and some just ignore its treatment.
In general, symptoms for this condition are: you will feel slightly raised skin; it could be tan or light coloured. It will change its colour with time. The texture of Seborrheic Keratosis may appear waxy or pasted. Sometimes it will look like a wart; a wart is also a type of harmless skin growth. The major difference between Seborrheic Keratosis and a wart is the pain. If it’s painful, it’s a wart; if it’s not, then you know what it is. It usually appears on your body areas that are exposed to the sun.
Appearance: May have slightly raised surfaces; Occasionally described as having a “stuck on” appearance; may look waxy
Size: Varies; ranges from extremely tiny to over an inch across
Colour: Typically brown, but can be yellow, white, or black
Location: Anywhere on the body except the palms of hands and soles of feet; common areas include chest, scalp, shoulders, back, abdomen, and face.
Additional symptoms: May itch
Seborrheic keratoses can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma. If your skin changes unexpectedly, you should visit a doctor.
It is unclear to doctors exactly what causes seborrheic keratosis. There are no leading causes specified that might cause Seborrheic Keratosis. It may be genetic; you are highly likely to get it if your parents or grandparents have this skin condition. The development of seborrheic keratosis also often correlates with old age. Sunburn may be another factor contributing to its growth. Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, so you cannot get them from another person or spread it to others.
In rare cases, multiple seborrheic keratoses grow due to certain types of cancer unrelated to the skin, such as colon or lung cancer. If you’ve had a sudden growth of multiple seborrheic keratoses, please consult your healthcare provider.
Treatment for seborrheic keratoses is a straightforward procedure involving local anesthesia used to numb the area, and gentle shaving of the lesion off of the skin. The outcome is a wound that looks like a mild abrasion and heals quite quickly.
Usually, the leading reasons for the treatment of Seborrheic Keratoses are cosmetic-related. The main reason most people worry about it getting removed is the possibility of cancer. Other causes include people not liking their body because of this skin condition. If you have consulted your medical practitioner and found out that it is not related to cancer, you might not need any treatment unless you want it removed for beauty reasons.
Our surgeons are highly trained and experienced professionals who care deeply about their patients. Rest assured all of our procedures are carried out with the utmost care, precision, regard for aesthetics, and in a safe environment.
Cryotherapy is one of the most simple procedures to help people with Seborrheic Keratosis. It is beneficial and can be performed in the hospital. With the use of liquid nitrogen, freezing treatment can cure this skin condition. Liquid nitrogen freezes Seborrheic Keratosis, causing no skin damage of any sort.
Another method to remove Seborrheic Keratosis is minor surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size, location, and severity of your skin condition. Our surgeons, however, are highly experienced professionals who can help you understand your situation. After consulting them, you might not even need to undergo any surgery. But if the condition of your skin is severe, mild surgery will be all it takes.
Note: TMSC always recommends you do not remove Seborrheic Keratosis yourself; you may be wrong about the diagnosis and can make things more complicated.
Since it’s harmless and dead; there are no particular self-care instructions until it becomes irritating. It is very common, and with time you will get used to it. It is always a good idea to get it checked so your care provider can tell you how you can take care of it yourself.
Most minor surgeries do not need extensive follow-ups. After the successful removal of seborrheic keratosis, you can go home. If there is any complication, which is rare, you can come to our clinic for a follow-up visit.
If your Seborrheic Keratosis becomes irritating, the easiest way is to cover it with a bandage, which will prevent you from rubbing it. Wash it two times a day with any soap you have. Don’t use any chemicals without the knowledge of your surgeon. You can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to soften the area.
