The formations we call seborrheic keratosis are swellings on the skin ranging from light brown to black. It can be confused with skin cancers and warts in particular. They become more common with age.

Some people develop multiple seborrheic keratosis over time, while others develop less frequently. Seborrheic keratosis can be seen in pregnancy, in those taking estrogen therapy, or with certain medical problems.

Seborrheic keratosis can occur anywhere on the scalp, face, neck and body. However, it is most commonly seen on the chest and back.

What Causes Seborrheic Keratosis?

Despite its sudden onset, seborrheic keratosis is not a sign of serious disease and is not associated with skin cancer.

Clothing rubbing against the skin can irritate seborrheic keratosis. Sometimes it can become enlarged, itchy, irritated, and bleed. Seborrheic keratoses can turn black and in this case can be difficult to distinguish from skin cancers. It must be evaluated by a specialist dermatologist and a dermatoscopic examination should be performed.

Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment

Seborrheic keratosis can be easily treated with cryotherapy and cautery.

Cautery

A cautery is an electrical instrument with a pen-like tip used to incinerate and cut tissue, thereby performing bloodless surgery.

Cryotherapy

It is the freezing method used by dermatologists and gynecologists to treat lesions on the skin without the need for surgery. It is a purification method applied with nitrous oxide gas or liquid nitrogen at -190 degrees.