Seborrheic Keratosis: Condition is Common, Usually Benign

Q:  I read your column faithfully and have found great information for friends and family many times. I appreciated your HealthLink column about actinic keratosis and leukoplakia, and am wondering (hoping) if you also may know about the causes or any treatments for seborrheic keratosis.

A:  Seborrheic keratosis is a common, hereditary, benign skin condition that usually appears on the back or face. Seborrheic keratoses are not malignant and, unlike actinic keratoses, are not pre-cancerous either. Keratoses commonly appear after age 40. They are wart-like growths, usually brown-black (although some appear waxy or yellowish), that look like they are stuck on the surface of the skin. They sometimes appear in large numbers and are usually painless, but may become irritated and itch. Because they are often dark-colored, some people become worried that they are a malignant melanoma.

Treatment is usually not required unless the growths become irritated or are cosmetically displeasing. Removal is simple and doesn't normally cause scarring, although growths on the torso might leave lighter-colored skin. Keratoses can be removed surgically, frozen off with liquid nitrogen or burned or lasered off. Keratoses usually don't recur after they have been removed, but people who are prone to this condition might develop more.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have seborrheic keratosis and want to have the growths removed. Also call if new symptoms develop, including change in the appearance of the skin growth or development of other lesions. If there is any doubt, you should see your physician or dermatologist right away. Diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the growths; your doctor might use a skin biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.