Summary about Disease
Seborrheic keratoses are common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that typically appear as waxy, brown, black, or tan growths. They often look like they are "stuck on" the skin. They are not contagious or harmful but can be cosmetically bothersome. They tend to increase in number with age.
Symptoms
Appear as raised, waxy, or wart-like growths.
Can be various colors (brown, black, tan, or even flesh-colored).
Have a "pasted-on" or "stuck-on" appearance.
Vary in size, from very small to larger than an inch.
Usually painless, but can sometimes itch, become irritated, or get caught on clothing.
Commonly found on the face, chest, shoulders, or back.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute:
Genetics: A tendency to develop seborrheic keratoses often runs in families.
Age: They become more common with increasing age, typically appearing after age 50.
Sun Exposure: While not directly caused by sun exposure like skin cancer, sun exposure may play a role in their development or make existing growths darker.
Medicine Used
Seborrheic keratoses don't require treatment unless they are bothersome. If removal is desired, options include:
Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the growth.
Curettage (Scraping): A surgical instrument called a curette is used to scrape off the growth.
Electrocautery (Burning): An electric current is used to burn off the growth.
Laser Therapy: Lasers can be used to remove or reduce the appearance of the growths.
Topical Medications: In some cases, topical medications like hydrogen peroxide solution may be used to lighten or remove the growths.
Note: Always consult with a dermatologist for appropriate treatment options.
Is Communicable
No, seborrheic keratoses are not contagious. They cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Sun Protection: While not directly caused by sun, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is always a good practice.
Skin Checks: Regularly examine your skin for any new or changing growths.
Moisturize: Keep your skin moisturized to help prevent dryness and irritation.
Avoid Irritation: Protect seborrheic keratoses from friction or trauma that could cause irritation.
How long does an outbreak last?
Seborrheic keratoses are not an "outbreak" in the sense of an infection. They are growths that develop over time and tend to persist unless removed. They don't "go away" on their own. New growths can continue to appear throughout a person's life.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual Examination: A dermatologist can usually diagnose seborrheic keratoses based on their characteristic appearance during a visual skin exam.
Dermoscopy: A dermatoscope (a magnifying device with a light) may be used to examine the growth more closely.
Biopsy: In rare cases, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if there's concern about skin cancer, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) may be performed for microscopic examination.
Timeline of Symptoms
Gradual Appearance: Seborrheic keratoses typically appear gradually over time.
Slow Growth: They tend to grow slowly.
Persistence: They usually persist unless removed.
New Growths: New growths may continue to appear throughout life, especially with age.
Important Considerations
Rule Out Skin Cancer: It's important to have any new or changing skin growths evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Cosmetic Concerns: Treatment is usually only necessary if the growths are bothersome for cosmetic reasons or cause irritation.
No Prevention: There is no known way to prevent seborrheic keratoses entirely, given the genetic component.
Consult a Dermatologist: If you have concerns about skin growths, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.