Seborrheic Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A common benign (noncancerous) skin growth, seborrheic keratosis usually appears in middle age or later. There is no risk associated with seborrheic keratosis, but some people find it irritating or unappealing from a cosmetic perspective. We will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of seborrheic keratosis in this blog post.
Causes
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not known. However, some factors that may increase the risk of developing it include:
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Age: Seborrheic keratosis tends to appear after the age of 50, and the number and size of the growths may increase with age.
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Genetics: Seborrheic keratosis may run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic predisposition to develop it.
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Skin type: Seborrheic keratosis is more common in people with lighter skin tones. However, a variant of seborrheic keratosis called dermatosis papulosa nigra is very common in people with darker skin tones, especially those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.
Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body, seborrheic keratosis is not caused by sun exposure or infection.
Symptoms
Seborrheic keratosis is characterized by one or more skin growths that have the following features:
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Shape: The growths are usually round or oval, but they can also be irregular or linear.
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Size: The growths can range from very small (less than 1 mm) to very large (more than 3 cm).
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Color: The growths can vary in color from light tan to brown, black, or even white, pink, or yellow.
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Texture: The growths can have a smooth, waxy, or scaly surface. They may also have small bumps, cysts, or fissures within them. They often look like they are stuck onto the skin, rather than growing from it.
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Location: The growths can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and arms.
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Number: The growths can occur singly or in clusters. Some people may have only one or a few, while others may have hundreds.
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Symptoms: The growths are usually asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any pain, itching, bleeding, or inflammation. However, they may become irritated or infected if they are scratched, rubbed, or injured by clothing, jewelry, or shaving. They may also change in appearance over time, becoming thicker, darker, or more noticeable.
Diagnosis
Dermatologists, who are specializing in skin conditions, usually diagnose seborrheic keratosis by visual examination of the skin. The dermatologist may also use a device called a dermatoscope, which magnifies the skin and allows a clearer view of the growths. In some cases, the dermatologist may take a small sample of the growth (a biopsy) and examine it under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other skin conditions that may look similar, such as skin cancer.
Treatment
As seborrheic keratosis isn't harmful or dangerous, it doesn't require any treatment. However, people may opt to remove the growths for cosmetic reasons or if they cause irritation or discomfort. Seborrheic keratosis can be removed in several ways, including:
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In cryotherapy, the growth is frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and fall off. This method is quick, efficient, and relatively painless, although it may leave a small scar or a darker or lighter spot on the skin.
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As well as being effective and fast, electrodessication/curettage involves scraping off the growth with a sharp instrument (curette) and then burning off the remaining tissue with an electric current (electrodessication).
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With laser therapy, a high-energy beam of light is used to vaporize the growth, making it more precise and less likely to damage the adjacent skin. It is, however, more expensive, painful, and may require several sessions.
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Excision with a scalpel or razor blade: This is a simple and inexpensive method, but it may leave a flat or slightly depressed scar.
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The application of a cream, gel, or patch containing a chemical agent peels off the growth. This method may be less invasive and more convenient, but may take longer, be less effective, and cause irritation or allergies. The agents include hydrogen peroxide, trichloroacetic acid, or salicylic acid.
The choice of treatment depends on the size, number, location, and preferences of each individual. Some people may require more than one treatment to achieve the desired result. The removed growths do not usually return, but new ones may develop.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent seborrheic keratosis, as it is not related to any modifiable risk factors. However, some general tips for maintaining healthy skin include:
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Protecting the skin from sun damage by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
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Moisturizing the skin regularly to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking.
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Avoiding scratching, picking, or rubbing the growths, as this may cause irritation, infection, or scarring.
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Checking the skin regularly for any changes in the appearance, size, shape, color, or texture of the growths, and consulting a dermatologist if any suspicious or bothersome growths are noticed.
A common and benign skin condition, seborrheic keratosis poses no serious health risks. However, some people might find it unsightly or irritating, and may wish to have the growths removed in a variety of ways. You should consult your dermatologist for advice and treatment options if you have any questions or concerns about seborrheic keratosis.
