Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a very common harmless, usually pigmented noncancerous growth on the skin. It usually appears on the shoulders, chest or face but can also appear anywhere on the skin. They are also known as basal cell papillomas or seborrheic warts. They tend to appear from middle age onwards, some people may have one or several.

Their appearance is wart like or moles. They start off as small rough bumps which gradually get thicker and develop a warty appearance. They are brown in colour, some can be in various shades between black and white. They may itch but are not painful. They can appear flat or a raised papule, 1mm to several cm in diameter.

Causes of seborrheic keratosis are unknown. It is estimated that over 90% of adults over 60 years old have one or more of them. Researchers have noted that they can develop-

:after sunburn or dermatitis, skin friction in body folds, or arise from Solar lentigo.

Diagnosing them should be done by a skin doctor after a visual and physical examination. Sometimes it can look like skin cancer, if so the doctor will take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Seborrheic keratosis can be easily removed. Most people want them removed as they are unsightly, itchy or catch on clothes. There are several ways in removing them. Dr Scott at YourSkin clinic removes them with a diathermy. After it has been removed, the skin in that area may be lighter and also some surrounding skin. In time this usually fades but not always. In the majority of cases the growth does not return but new ones may appear on other parts of the body.

For a thorough assessment of seborrheic keratosis make an appointment to see Dr Scott

Seborrheic Keratosis