Alternative Names seborrheic warts, verruca seborrheica, keratosis seborrheica
Definition Seborrheic keratosis is a condition in which harmless growths develop on the skin.
What is going on in the body? Seborrheic keratoses are benign growths of the skin. They do not represent cancer. They can appear anywhere on the body, but they most often occur on the face, chest, and back. They tend to grow slowly over time. Some persons have hundreds of individual keratoses.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Seborrheic keratoses do not cause pain or itching. They typically appear as light brown areas on the skin that appear to be "stuck on." Typically, the growth has a defined border that is raised compared to the surrounding skin. The surface can have an irregular appearance. Sometimes there are small white or black circles within the growth itself. These are known as "horn cysts." Some lesions can grow to a very large size and can appear very dark.
What are the causes and risks of the condition? Although the cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown, the condition does tend to run in families. The condition is more likely as an individual ages, and the number of growths generally increases with age.
What can be done to prevent the condition? There is no prevention for seborrheic keratosis.
How is the condition diagnosed? The doctor can diagnose most growths of seborrheic keratosis by careful examination with a bright flashlight and magnifying lens. Some seborrheic keratoses may be very dark and could be confused with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The doctor may take a skin biopsy of these areas to make sure there is no evidence of cancer.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? Some seborrheic keratoses become very large or unsightly. A person may want to have these removed.
What are the risks to others? Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, and pose no risk to others.
What are the treatments for the condition? Generally, no treatment is needed for seborrheic keratosis. Very large growths or growths that appear on the face can be removed.
How is the condition monitored? Seborrheic keratosis is a harmless skin disorder and no follow-up is necessary. However, any new areas or changes should be examined by the doctor to check for more serious skin disorders.
Author: Bill Harrison, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
