Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are rough tan to brown, small or large, sometime wartyappearing non-cancerous growths of the top layer of the skin. They are not caused by a virus like normal warts, and typically show up in adulthood. The vast majority of people will develop seborrheic keratoses at some point in life. Occasionally a seborrheic keratosis may become inflamed and itchy. In this case, they can be treated with shave removal, liquid nitrogen, or possibly electrocautery. Additionally, if a person has a seborrheic keratosis with a cosmetically unacceptable appearance, that can be removed in a similar fashion as a cosmetic procedure. Occasionally, a seborrheic keratosis may be biopsied by your dermatologist because they can look similar to changing moles or some types of skin cancer. It is important to know that although a seborrheic keratosis is not a precancerous lesion, as with any skin lesion, one that is changing or has developed new symptoms should be evaluated.