Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses often look like waxy or scaly growths that appear stuck onto the skin. They may be tan, brown, gray, white, or nearly black and can range from small spots to larger raised patches. Some resemble warts or moles, making them difficult to identify without a professional skin examination.

No. Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin growths and do not turn into skin cancer. However, certain skin cancers, including melanoma, can sometimes resemble seborrheic keratoses. If a growth is new, changing, bleeding, or otherwise unusual, a dermatologist should examine it rather than assuming it is harmless.

The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not fully understood. Aging and genetics appear to play important roles, and these growths often run in families. They become more common as people get older and are not caused by poor hygiene or an infection.

No. Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. You may develop additional growths over time, but this is related to how the condition develops rather than an infection spreading across your skin.

Yes. Although seborrheic keratoses are usually painless, they can itch, become tender, or get irritated by clothing, jewelry, or repeated rubbing. Scratching or picking at a growth may cause bleeding or inflammation. If a lesion becomes persistently irritated, a dermatologist can evaluate it and discuss treatment options.

It’s a good idea to have any new or unfamiliar skin growth evaluated, particularly if you’re unsure what it is. Seborrheic keratoses can resemble moles, warts, and certain types of skin cancer. A dermatologist can examine the lesion and determine whether additional testing or treatment is necessary.

Schedule a dermatology evaluation if a growth changes rapidly, develops irregular features, bleeds without an obvious cause, becomes painful, or looks noticeably different from surrounding spots. These changes do not automatically indicate skin cancer, but they should not be ignored. A dermatologist may recommend a biopsy if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Most seborrheic keratoses do not require removal because they are harmless. Treatment may be appropriate if a growth becomes irritated, catches on clothing, bleeds from repeated friction, or bothers you cosmetically. A dermatologist can help determine whether removal is necessary or whether monitoring is sufficient.

Dermatologists can remove seborrheic keratoses using several methods. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth, while curettage involves gently scraping it away. Electrosurgery may also be used to destroy or remove the tissue. The appropriate technique depends on the growth’s size, thickness, location, and appearance.

You should not attempt to cut, scrape, burn, or freeze a suspected seborrheic keratosis at home. Over-the-counter products and home removal methods can cause burns, scarring, infection, or delayed diagnosis if the growth is actually another skin condition. Professional evaluation helps confirm what the lesion is before treatment.

Universal Dermatology provides evaluation and treatment of seborrheic keratoses for patients throughout Central Ohio. Our dermatology team can examine suspicious or bothersome skin growths, explain whether removal is appropriate, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

A seborrheic keratosis that has been completely removed usually does not return in the same location, although recurrence is possible if some tissue remains. You may also develop new seborrheic keratoses elsewhere on your skin over time. Removing one growth does not prevent additional growths from developing.

Insurance coverage depends on why the growth is being removed and the details of your plan. Removal may be covered when a lesion is symptomatic, repeatedly irritated, or requires evaluation for a possible medical concern. Removal performed solely for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered. Contact your insurance provider or our office to discuss potential coverage and costs.