What is Raised Seborrheic Keratoses?
While not a painful condition, Raised Seborrheic Keratoses can make those with the growths feel self conscious. Raised Seborrheic Keratosis is a skin condition common among adults. It consists of benign growths on the skin. It generally appears on the back, shoulders or chest. The growths can be brown, black or tan in color. Seborrheic Keratoses growths are raised above the skin and can have a scaly or waxy appearance. While the growths aren’t painful, they can make people with them feel self conscious.
The exact cause of Raised Seborrheic Keratoses isn’t known. You’re more likely to get them if you’re over 50 and have a family history of the condition.
Raised Seborrheic Keratoses are often:
- Brown, black or tan in color
- Oval shaped
- Flat or raised above the skin with a scaly appearance
- Varying in size from 1 to 2.5 centimeters
- Might be itchy
It is a good idea to see a dermatologist if you think you have Raised Seborrheic Keratoses. While benign, the growths can be bothersome. You should see Dr. Doppelt when:
- The growths make you feel self conscious.
- The growths are irritated from clothing rubbing against them.
- Many growths appear at a time.
- You notice changes in your skin like growths like bleed, grow rapidly or don’t heal properly. These could be signs of skin cancer.
Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment
There are several options available for removing a seborrheic keratosis:
- Cryosurgery – freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen.
- Curettage – Scraping the skin’s surface using a scalpel blade to remove the growth.
- Electrocautery – Burning the growth with an electric current.
- Ablation – Vaporizing the growth with a laser.
To determine the best course of treatment for your Seborrheic Keratoses, schedule an appointment.
