From the Research
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not fully understood, but it appears to be primarily related to aging and genetic factors, as suggested by the most recent study 1. These benign skin growths typically develop as people get older, with most cases appearing after age 50. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as seborrheic keratoses often run in families. Some key factors that contribute to the development of seborrheic keratosis include:
- Age: The risk of developing seborrheic keratosis increases with age, with most cases appearing after age 50 1.
- Genetic predisposition: Seborrheic keratoses often run in families, suggesting a genetic component to their development 1.
- Sun exposure: While sun exposure may contribute to the development of seborrheic keratosis, they can appear on both sun-exposed and covered areas of skin 1. Some research suggests that mutations in genes like FGFR3, PIK3CA, and RAS may be involved in their formation, as noted in earlier studies 2, 3. Hormonal changes might also influence their development, as they sometimes appear or increase during pregnancy. Unlike some skin growths, seborrheic keratoses are not caused by viruses and are not contagious. They are completely benign and do not transform into skin cancer, though they may sometimes be confused with other skin conditions that require treatment. No prevention methods are known since they develop naturally with aging. The diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is usually made clinically, and in some cases by dermatoscopy or histology, as noted in the most recent study 1. Treatment options include surgical therapy, laser therapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and topical drug therapy, which is currently in development 1. The treatment should be individualized depending on the clinical picture and patient preference, as recommended by the most recent study 1.