Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment in Peoria, AZ


Seborrheic Keratoses, or SK's, are non-cancerous growths that appear on the surface of the skin. They start showing up about middle age and increase in number as a person gets older. The tendency to develop SK's is inherited.

When they first appear they are slightly raised light brown spots. Gradually these spots grow in size, thicken and take on a rough, wart-like surface. They also darken in color over time and can turn black. These color changes are normal and harmless . Sometimes, on the surface, the SK can develop tiny white or black dots. These dots are called horn cysts and are not harmful.

SK's are more common on areas of the skin that are exposed to UV light such as; face, neck, scalp, shoulder, chest, and back. They are less common in areas with less UV exposure; however, they are not caused by UV exposure.

Although SK's can often be confused with warts because of their appearance, they are different. Warts are caused by a virus; SK's are not. Many warts may go away on their own without any treatment, whereas SK's will not.

There are usually no symptoms associated with SK's. However, if they rub against clothing, or get in the way of a brush or comb, or shaver they can become red, inflamed and may bleed.

There is usually no reason to remove SK's unless you are bothered by the way they make you look, or they become inflamed, red, sore, or bleed.

SK's can easily be removed in one of two ways:

  • Cryotherapy - this involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen
  • Curettage - is a surgical procedure in which the growth is scrapped off the surface of the skin. Then a heated needle is applied to the surface to destroy any remaining abnormal cells.