Seborrheic Keratosis
Although Seborrheic Keratoses are often confused with warts, they are
quite different. Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths of the
outer layer of skin. There may be just one growth, or many which occur
in clusters. They are usually brown, but can vary in color from light
tan to black. They vary in size from a fraction of an inch in diameter
to larger than a half-dollar. A main feature of seborrheic keratoses is
their waxy, "pasted-on" or "stuck-on" look. They sometimes
look like a dab of warm brown candle wax that has dropped onto the skin.
What causes seborrheic keratoses?
We do not know the exact cause of seborrheic keratoses. However, almost
everybody will eventually develop at least a few of these growths. They
are sometimes referred to as "barnacles of old age." These become
more common and more numerous with advancing age. Some people develop
many over time, while others develop only a few. Sometimes seborrheic
keratoses may erupt during pregnancy, following estrogen therapy, or in
association with other medical problems.
Where do they appear?
Seborrheic keratoses are most often found on the chest or back, although,
they can also be found on the scalp, face, neck, or almost anywhere on
the body. They appear less often below the waist. Since they are not caused
by sunlight, they can be found on sun-exposed or covered areas. When they
first appear, the growths usually begin one at a time as small, rough,
itchy bumps. Eventually, they thicken and develop a rough, warty surface.
How serious are they?
Almost everybody gets at least a few of these growths. Unless they develop
suddenly, seborrheic keratoses does not indicate a serious health problem,
and is not related to skin cancer. They may be unsightly, especially if
they begin to appear on the face. They can get irritated by clothing rubbing
against them. Because they may grow larger over the years, removal is
sometimes recommended especially if they itch, get irritated, or bleed
easily. A seborrheic keratosis may turn black and may be difficult to
distinguish from skin cancer. Sometimes such a growth must be removed
and studied under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or not.
How are they treated?
Most often seborrheic keratoses are treated by one of three methods. One
method is called cryosurgery, or freezing. A very cold liquid called liquid
nitrogen is applied to the growth with a cotton swab, or spray gun, to
freeze it. Blisters may form under the growth, which then dries into a
scablike crust. The keratosis usually falls off within a few weeks. No
mark is usually left when it heals. Although occasionally, there may be
a small dark or light spot that will usually fade over time.
Another method is called curettage. The growths are removed by "curetting,"
or scraping them from the surface of the skin. An injection or spray is
first used to numb the area before the growth is removed. No stitches
are necessary, and bleeding is very limited. It can be controlled by applying
pressure or by the application of a blood-clotting chemical.
Electrosurgery is another form of treatment. The growth is first numbed,
then burned using an electric current, and scraped off.
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