Seborrheic keratosis

Alternative names:

benign skin tumors (keratosis); keratosis - seborrheic; senile keratosis

Treatment:

The treatment is usually not required unless the growths become irritated or are cosmetically displeasing.

The growths may be surgically removed or removed by cryotherapy (freezing).

Expectations (prognosis):

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign and usually painless condition. Removal of the growth is simple and usually does not result in scars. However, growths on the trunk often leave lighter-colored skin. The growths usually do not recur after removal.

Complications:

• psychological distress from change in appearance
• irritation, discomfort of growths

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if seborrheic keratosis is present and you desire 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.

Picture:
P0565.pctSeborrheic keratosis on the chest