Seborrheic Keratosis (Seb K) is a non-cancerous skin growth that is typically raised and resembles a wart. The condition tends to become more prevalent with age, although the exact cause is unknown.
These growths are not usually harmful, which means there’s no medical need for removal. However, any unusual skin growth should be checked by a medical professional for any sign of skin cancer that can be mistaken for a different condition. Also, if you have a seborrheic keratosis lesion, removal is an option for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion becomes irritating.
For answers to your concerns about Seborrheic Keratosis, or if you wish to seek removal, our team at The DOC Clinic are here to help. Dr Omarjee has experience treating a wide range of skin conditions and aims to meet the needs of each patient.
Symptoms of seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis usually begins as small rough growths that can become bigger over time. They typically do not appear as one growth in isolation but as several skin growths, and they can range in tone from black to white. Most commonly though, they appear brown or tan in colour. The growths typically:
- Are rough or scaly
- Can range from very small up to an inch in size
- May resemble a wart or mole
- Are round or oval-shaped
- Have a raised surface
- May appear on the chest, back, shoulders, face, or scalp
Seb K is usually asymptomatic, meaning it shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort. However, sometimes patients may experience itchiness, irritation, or rubbing on clothing, depending on the location of the growth.
Multiple growths can appear on the body at once and may occur anywhere except on the palms and soles of the feet. If you are unsure whether the symptoms you have are Seb K or a different skin condition, an assessment from Dr Omarjee can provide you with a diagnosis.
Causes
The exact causes are not fully understood. However, there may be genetic or environmental factors that make the condition more likely to develop. Potential risk factors for developing seborrheic keratosis include:
- A family history of the condition
- Age: people over 50 are more likely to develop Seb K
- Frequent sun exposure
- Pregnancy or changes in hormones
- Having fairer skin
Although the above may not be direct causes, the condition is found to be more common in people who are older in age, are lighter-skinned, and spend frequent time in the sun. Practising safe sun habits is important to minimise the risk of seborrheic keratosis along with a range of other skin conditions, including skin cancer. These include applying high-SPF sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and avoiding tanning.
Treatment of seborrheic keratosis
Although seborrheic keratosis is benign (meaning non-cancerous), the condition can sometimes resemble melanoma, a harmful skin cancer. If you have noticed a wart-like growth on your skin, it is worth having it checked by a medical practitioner. Seeking prompt diagnosis for any skin concern helps ensure that any problem is quickly identified and treated appropriately to prevent further issues in the future. You should also avoid picking at the lesion, as this can cause irritation and may lead to issues like bleeding and infection.
After discussing with Dr Omarjee, it may be decided that you should undergo treatment. This may involve testing the lesion to ensure that it isn’t cancerous, followed by a removal method recommended according to the condition. Dr Omarjee may recommend surgical excision of the lesion, or another non-surgical treatment. Other options include radiofrequency shave, laser treatment, or cryotherapy (freezing the lesion).
The correct treatment for you may depend on the size and number of your lesions, their location on the body, and how bothersome they are to you. To learn about the treatment methods for Seb K, consult with Dr Omarjee about your condition.
Book your consultation at The DOC Clinic
There are many reasons why a consultation with a qualified practitioner Dr Omarjee can be beneficial for Seb K. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis of your skin condition or a treatment for cosmetic reasons, we can provide you with guidance suited to your needs.
At The DOC Clinic, we take an individualised approach to patient treatment. We consider the patient’s health, circumstances, skin type, and medical history to design a plan most appropriate for the patient. We also ensure each patient has the opportunity to express their concerns and preferences and to ask any questions they may have about what treatment involves. In addition, a consultation involves discussing the risks and recovery that come along with seborrheic keratosis treatment.
Get in touch to book your consultation at The DOC Clinic and receive your personalised treatment plan.
