SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS

Although seborrheic keratoses are often confused with warts, they are actually quite different. Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths of the skin that are very common. There may be just one growth or multiple. They can be tan to light brown, but vary in color and at times can be black. They also vary in size from very small to larger than a half-dollar.

We do not know what causes seborrheic keratoses. However, almost everybody will eventually develop at least a few of these growths. These lesions have been referred to as “barnacles of old age”. These become more common and more numerous with advancing age. Many doctors believe that there is also a genetic predisposition with the development of these lesions.

Seborrheic keratoses do not need to be treated due to the fact that they are not dangerous. However, the removal of these lesions for cosmetic reasons is oftentimes rewarding and elegant. They are removed using a type of procedure called electrosurgery, in which a type of laser burns off the seborrheic keratosis sometimes followed by an instrument known as a curette for removal. This procedure is associated with minimal pain and maximal results.