Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin growth that can look like a wart, precancerous skin growth (actinic keratosis), or an early sign of skin cancer. Many of our patients often come to us worrying that these lesions can be a sign of something serious: but if it’s seborrheic keratosis, there's usually nothing to worry about.
As a healthcare provider, seborrheic keratosis treatment isn't just for cosmetic reasons. While there aren't too many adverse complications that can arise from having multiple seborrheic keratoses, there are some situations where removing them is the best option to improve a patient's quality of life.
Most people who experience seborrheic keratosis develop these growths when they are middle-aged or older. Over time, they may get bigger and become more abundant. They may also become thicker and raised with a waxy or rough texture. You can find these harmless growths anywhere on the skin, except on your palms and the soles of your feet.
Seborrheic keratosis is generally harmless, but the possibility of your spots or lesions being cancerous and affecting the surrounding skin can cause a lot of stress and anxiety on your part, especially without a skin biopsy and an official diagnosis. This is the most significant reason why we tell our patients to get their skin growths diagnosed: to make sure that it's a benign skin condition and nothing that requires immediate removal.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
While some people who experience this skin condition generally don't see any problems with seborrheic keratoses, others may experience a negative effect on their quality of life. At worst, seborrheic keratoses can become inflamed, irritated, and even infected if they're located in certain areas of the body.
For a patient that wants preventative treatment for these complications, a dermatologist can remove their seborrheic keratoses the moment they get detected, or as soon as a proper diagnosis is made. Medical removal of these growths can leave the surrounding skin intact without affecting your appearance.
One reason why it's important to get a proper diagnosis that what you have is seborrheic keratosis is that it can be confused with another condition, actinic keratosis. While these two conditions are similar, actinic keratosis is far more serious.
| Seborrheic Keratosis | Actinic Keratosis |
| Usually appears in people over the age of 50 | Can start appearing in people 40 and older |
| Caused by genetics and age | Caused by sun exposure |
| Dark growths with a clear pigment | Less pigmented, light spots |
| Can appear almost anywhere on the skin | Commonly appears in sun-exposed areas of the skin |
| Benign, with a few mild to moderate complications | Has a small percentage of turning into skin cancer |
While these differences may seem easy to tell on paper, a professional medical expert is the best person to consult on whether your particular growth is something serious.
Once a proper diagnosis has been made, your dermatologist has several methods that they can consider to remove your seborrheic keratosis:
Your dermatologist/medical provider will work closely with you to determine the ideal method to use to remove your seborrheic keratosis. In some cases, a combination of the above treatments may be required.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.
At DSH, we pride ourselves on working closely with our patients to provide them the best medical support possible for their skin. Whether it's through awareness, regular checkups, or ensuring that our facilities are up-to-date, we work hard to make ourselves a trusted healthcare provider.
A: Some at-home solutions and products are marketed to help you remove seborrheic keratosis on your own, but we recommend that you always get them removed with a medical professional. Not only is this a better way to get good results, but this also makes sure that you get a proper diagnosis for your growths before you remove them.
A: Your seborrheic keratosis treatment will largely depend on which method your dermatologist has decided on for your procedure. However, one thing you can expect is a thorough examination and diagnosis of your skin condition, both before and after your treatment. This is to ensure that the right procedure is used and to prevent any adverse complications after your treatment.
A: Medically-removed seborrheic keratoses are unlikely to leave any noticeable marks on the skin, especially if the right procedure is used for their removal. Your results are also unlikely to affect the surrounding skin around the treated area, but your provider may suggest avoiding skincare products as your skin heals from the treatment.
A: Most cases of seborrheic keratosis removal are usually considered cosmetic treatments and are not covered by Medicare or most insurance companies. However, if your particular case is causing symptoms like irritation, bleeding, or pain, it's possible to classify your treatment as a medical condition. However, this requires an official medical diagnosis.
If you have any questions about seborrheic keratosis, precancerous growths, or any skin growth that you may have experienced recently, schedule a consultation with us today. We have a variety of treatments and services that can help you look and feel like yourself again. To get started, schedule your consultation online , or give us a call at (603) 742-5556 (Dover & Newington), (978) 525-0100 (Peabody), (603) 965-3551 (Londonderry), (603) 742-5556 (Bedford).
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
If your desired appointment type or preferred provider is unavailable online, kindly call (978) 525-0100 for Peabody, MA and (603) 742-5556 for all New Hampshire locations. Alternatively please feel free to send us your request via the patient portal, or via email at info@dermskinhealth.com
*For medical dermatology appointments in MA please dial (978) 525-0100 or fill out the appointment request form above.
