seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a noncancerous skin growth that commonly affects the elderly. Its exact causes are unknown, although it tends to be hereditary. Seborrheic keratosis is a painless condition that usually requires no treatment; many individuals, however, choose to have the growth or growths removed for cosmetic purposes.

This disease is characterized by a red, greasy-scaled rash on the face, mostly in the folds of skin between cheeks and nose and around the eyebrows and in the scalp. It is often itchy and causes dandruff. A seborrheic keratosis typically appears on the head, neck, or trunk. It is usually round or oval shaped, and it may vary in color. Medical attention may be necessary if numerous seborrheic keratoses develop in a short period of time, the seborrheic keratoses interfere with clothing or other abnormal skin changes occur.

These growths may appear more than one at a time. Although they are typically small with a maximum size of an inch or so, they may cause some discomfort depending upon where they are located. If your clothing rubs against and irritates it or you scratch it, the seborrheic keratosis may begin bleeding and could potentially become infected.

A seborrheic keratosis is diagnosed by inspecting the affected area. A biopsy may be taken to rule out skin cancer. Seborrheic keratoses require no treatment, but many patients who have them decide to visit Dr. Victor for help with them. New treatment for this old disease includes special shampoos, lotions and creams that can both reduce the redness and get rid of the scaling, thus making the patient feel and look so much better! If removal is requested for cosmetic purposes, it may be achieved through cryosurgery, curettage, or electrocautery.

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