Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses, also known as seborrheic warts, are very common skin growths. They are not dangerous but can be cosmetically bothersome. Seborrheic keratoses are benign growths on the skin that can be mistaken for moles, leading to concerns about their potential malignancy. However, they are not cancerous. Seborrheic keratoses most commonly appear on the trunk but can also occur in other areas such as the scalp or face. They never develop into malignancies.


Who gets seborrheic keratoses?

Most of us, especially as we get older, develop seborrheic keratoses, also commonly known as senile warts or age spots. They can appear as early as in our 20s, but they are more common in older age. The exact cause of their formation is unknown, and they are not caused by a virus like many other types of warts. Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, and there is no specific preventive measure to avoid them.

Treatment of seborrheic keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses, commonly known as senile warts, typically have a distinctive appearance that rarely poses a challenge for doctors to make the correct diagnosis. In rare cases of uncertainty, a tissue biopsy may be necessary for further examination. Although seborrheic keratoses do not predispose to malignant melanoma (skin cancer), there have been instances where a cancerous mole has been overlooked because it was mistaken for a seborrheic wart. Therefore, if there is any uncertainty regarding such skin changes, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

Seborrheic warts do not necessarily require treatment, but they can be easily treated by scraping during a consultation. This can be done without anaesthesia. If the discomfort during the procedure is bothersome, a topical anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand, which also facilitates the scraping process. Freezing and laser removal are alternative methods for removing the warts. Regardless of the method used, there is a tendency for the warts to potentially reappear. In such cases, the treatment can be repeated as needed.

Prognosis

Seborrheic warts are completely benign and have no tendency to turn malignant later on. They are also easy to remove if you think they are unsightly or uncomfortable.

See how Dr. Dropin can help you

At Dr.Dropin you can come to experienced dermatologists who can diagnose and treat all skin disorders. Dr.Dropin is committed to offering good skin services at a fixed and predictable price, and with a short waiting time.

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