Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are common, benign skin growths. A person may just have one of these lesions, but is more common to have multiple. They can also increase in number as one gets older.

Symptoms:

Seborrheic keratoses can vary in appearance. They can start out as small bumps and then enlarge. They can be light or dark, raised or flat, rough, smooth or warty. Mostly, they are known to have a warty, stuck on appearance.

Causes:

Seborrheic keratoses are a part of the normal aging process but genetics also contributes to the number of lesions one may have.

Treatment:

Before treatment, it is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other lesions that may look like an SK.

Treatment may be recommended if the SK is painful, bleeds, itches or is getting darker. The most common treatment methods include cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery and curettage or a shave removal. Suspicious lesions will be submitted to pathology.

Please make an appointment at 704-784-5901 if you are concerned about a new or suspicious lesion on your skin.