Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) is a common benign growth found in the skin. These develop when extra skin cells grow along the top layer of skin and can appear anywhere on the body except the palms and soles. They tend to begin developing roughly after age 40 and approximately 90% of people 65 and older have at least one SK. The tendency to develop these is genetic, and some people only have a few whereas others will develop hundreds. Changes in estrogen seem to play a role in their growth as some women develop SKs during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy.
Most SKs have a round or oval shape and range from white to light tan to black in color. They can be flat, rough, or velvety smooth. When they grow in clusters on the face or around the eyes, they are known as dermatosis papulose nigra, a condition that is more common in darker skin tones. However, overall SKs are more numerous in lighter-skinned people.
The main problem clinically with these growths is that they often mimic melanoma to the untrained eye, causing patients stress when they develop. Fortunately, these are not precancerous or cancerous, and can usually be identified visually by a dermatologist. If there is doubt, a biopsy can be done. Sometimes SKs will become inflamed, irritated, or bleed, in which case they need to be removed to cease causing discomfort. Another other issue is that they can cosmetically bother people when located in visible body areas.
Treatment Options
While there is no preventive therapy, there are several treatment options for removing SKs. Cosmetic removal of SKs is not covered by insurance. Inflamed or bleeding SK treatment is considered medically necessary.