SKIN DISEASE TYPES: Seborrheic Keratosis (Skin Disease Type)

Seborrheic Keratosis (Skin Disease Type)

Seborrheic Keratosis

These lesions are benign overgrowths of epithelium, largely appearing on the torso, face, and neck. They are seen on almost everyone over the age of 50. The borders are typically irregular, and they range in color from beige or gray-white to very dark brown. These "barnacles" of older skin can number only a few to as many as hundreds. Although often raised and dry, they can be flatter and greasier (seborrheic) in texture.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis (Skin Disease Type)

A seborrheic keratosis usually has the appearance of a waxy or wart-like growth. It typically appears on the face, chest, shoulders or back of the body. A seborrheic keratosis:

· Ranges in color, usually from light tan to brown or black
· Is round or oval shaped
· Has a characteristic "pasted on" look
· Is flat or slightly elevated with a scaly surface
· Ranges in size from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across
· May itch

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if:

Many growths develop over a short time of a few weeks to months. Normally, seborrheic keratoses appear one or two at a time over many years.
The growths get irritated or bleed when your clothing rubs against them. You may want the growths removed.
You notice suspicious changes in your skin, such as sores or growths that grow rapidly, bleed and don't heal. These could be signs of skin cancer.

Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis (Skin Disease Type)

The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses isn't known. They are very common and generally increase in number with age. They tend to run in some families, so inheritance may play a role.

Treatments and drugs for Seborrheic Keratosis (Skin Disease Type)

Treatment of seborrheic keratoses usually isn't necessary. However, you may want them removed if they become irritated, if they bleed because your clothing rubs against them, or if you simply don't like how they look or feel.

Your doctor can remove seborrheic keratoses using several methods, including:

1. Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). Cryosurgery can be an effective way to remove seborrheic keratoses. However, it may not work on large, thick growths, and it may lighten the treated skin.
2. Scraping the skin's surface with a special instrument (curettage). Sometimes curettage is used along with cryosurgery to treat thinner or flat growths. It may be used with electrocautery.
3. Burning with an electric current (electrocautery). Used alone or with curettage, electrocautery can be effective in removing seborrheic keratoses. This procedure can leave scars if it's not done properly, and it may take longer than other removal methods.
4. Vaporizing the growth with a laser (ablation). Different types of laser treatments are available. Your doctor may apply pigment to the growth to help concentrate the laser light, making it more effective.