What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Senile Keratosis

What is Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

• Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is one of the most common non-cancerous skin growths in adults. It is characterized by either a brown, black, or pale growth appearing on the chest, face, shoulders or back
• This skin condition is often seen in middle-aged and older individuals. The cause and risk factors for Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is largely unknown, though in some cases a positive family history has been noted
• Most cases of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin do not require a treatment, since these are benign and asymptomatic. When necessary, the condition can be successfully treated by removing the growth through various modalities that are available
• Overall the prognosis of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is excellent and the majority of cases do not recur after a successful treatment (removal of the skin growth)

Who gets Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Middle-aged and elderly adults are likely to be affected by Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin
• The skin condition can occur in younger individuals, although the incidence of the condition tend to increase with age
• There is no gender predilection and both males and females are affected
• The condition is seen worldwide and all racial and ethnic groups may be at risk

What are the Risk Factors for Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)

Important risk factors associated with Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin include the following:

• Age over 50 years
• Family history of the condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin? (Etiology)

Currently, the exact cause of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is unknown or not clearly understood.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin?

Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is characterized by a waxy or wart-like growth on the skin. It appears mostly on the head, neck, or trunk of the body. The other features of the growth include the following:

• It ranges in color from light tan to brown or black
• The skin growth has a rounded or oval shape; it appears as if it is “pasted” onto the skin surface, because of the abrupt transition from the Seborrheic Keratosis to the surrounding normal skin
• The skin lesion can be flat, slightly elevated, or very elevated
• It may range in size from being very small to over 3 cm in diameter
• Itching may be felt in some cases, but it is normally painless
• There may be single or multiple growths on the skin

If symptoms worsen, it is advised that the individual seek medical attention. A physician should be consulted in case of the following:

• The presence of several growths on the skin that develop over a short period of time. In the setting of very many seborrheic keratoses arising very rapidly (the sign of Leser-Trelat), a search for internal malignancy is warranted
• The growths are irritated or begin bleeding
• If there are sudden changes in the skin lesion that appears abnormal; such signs may indicate skin cancer
• If the individual has a very large number of seborrheic keratoses of varying size and pigmentation, the search on a full body exam for melanoma can be complicated, and must be done with care

How is Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin may involve the following:

• Evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a thorough physical examination. Usually, a visual exam by the healthcare provider is sufficient to ensure a diagnosis of the condition
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Additional tests may be necessary to rule out any underlying condition, if any present
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin?

Complications associated with Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin may include:

• Irritation, bleeding, and discomfort
• Emotional stress due to worrisome physical appearance: Cosmetic concerns, especially if the cysts are present on the face, neck, or at other prominent locations
• Abscess formation resulting in infections; this may result in associated signs and symptoms including fever
• Permanent scarring in some cases
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin Treated?

In most cases, treatment of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is not necessary. However, if the growth becomes irritated or bleeds due to friction (such as when rubbed on by the clothing one wears), then it may be surgically removed.

An individual can chose to have the skin growth removed by various methods including:

• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure; a simple excision or a punch biopsy may be undertaken
• Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, also known as cryosurgery. This procedure can be an effective way to remove the growth; however, it may not be feasible on large, thick growths. There is also a possibility of hypopigmentation
• Scraping the skin’s surface with an instrument known as curettage. This method is used in conjunction with cryosurgery to treat flat skin growths
• Burning with an electric current, also known as electrocautery. This can be an effective way to remove Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin. However, the procedure can possibly cause scaring and may take longer to fully remove the growth
• Vaporizing the growth with lasers, also known as ablation. There are different types of laser treatments available to treat Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin

How can Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin. However, the following factors may be considered to reduce the risk of aggravation:

• Ensure good personal hygiene
• Avoid picking, scratching, or popping the skin lesion
• Avoid tight-fitting dress and dress made of synthetic material, until the skin lesion heal completely

What is the Prognosis of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Overall, the prognosis of Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is excellent.

• In most cases, it does not recur after its surgical removal
• If required, appropriate treatment through conservative therapy can help reduce the symptoms and bring relief to the affected individual

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin:

• Seborrheic Keratosis of Skin is not an infectious condition and it does not spread from one individual to another
• There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet may influence its development