Seborrheic Keratosis

Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps

What Is It?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous skin growth that typically appears in adulthood. These growths can range in color from light tan to dark brown or black, and they often have a waxy, scaly, or slightly raised appearance. While they may look concerning—sometimes resembling warts or even skin cancer—seborrheic keratoses are completely benign and not contagious.

They tend to appear on the chest, back, face, or neck, and are more common as we age. Some individuals may have just one or two, while others may develop many over time. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics and sun exposure may play a role.

How Is It Done? (Treatment Options)

Although treatment is not medically necessary unless the lesion is irritated or cosmetically bothersome, many patients choose removal for peace of mind or aesthetic reasons. A provider at CutisCo Dermatology can assess and recommend the most appropriate removal method based on the size, location, and characteristics of the lesion.

Common treatment options include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off over time.
• Curettage: Gently scraping the lesion from the skin surface under local anesthesia.
• Electrosurgery: Burning the lesion with an electric current, often combined with curettage.
• Laser therapy: Using targeted light energy to remove the growth with minimal damage to surrounding skin.

Each method is safe, effective, and performed in-office.

What to Expect

Removal of seborrheic keratoses is generally quick and well-tolerated. Most procedures require no downtime, though some mild redness, scabbing, or temporary discoloration at the treatment site is common. Healing typically takes 1–2 weeks, and post-treatment care instructions will be provided to ensure optimal results.

These growths do not typically recur in the same spot, but new ones may appear over time, especially in those with a genetic predisposition. It’s also important to have any new or changing spots evaluated to rule out more serious skin conditions.