From the Research
Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that typically appears as a waxy, stuck-on lesion ranging in color from light tan to black, and generally doesn't require treatment unless it becomes irritated, inflamed, or is cosmetically bothersome, with treatment options including cryotherapy, curettage, electrocautery, or shave excision, as well as over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide for smaller lesions 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is usually made clinically, and in some cases by dermatoscopy or histology, with several factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and possibly also exposure to ultraviolet radiation, contributing to the development of the condition 1. Treatment should be individualized depending on the clinical picture and patient preference, with options including:
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Curettage (scraping off)
- Electrocautery (burning off)
- Shave excision
- Topical drug therapy, which is currently in development 1
Considerations
It's essential to note that seborrheic keratoses typically appear with age, often after 40, and may run in families, suggesting a genetic component, and result from an overgrowth of epidermal cells, which can be triggered by sun exposure, though they aren't directly caused by sun damage like some other skin growths 2. While generally harmless, any skin growth that changes rapidly, bleeds, or becomes painful should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions, and patients with numerous seborrheic keratoses may desire an effective topical therapy, with options including topical calcipotriene, topical tazarotene, and topical imiquimod, although cryosurgery remains a standard and effective treatment option 3. A recent study comparing the efficacy and safety of 30% hydrogen peroxide with 50% trichloroacetic acid in seborrheic keratosis found that hydrogen peroxide produced greater clearance of seborrheic keratosis with no major adverse effects, making it a potential treatment option for patients seeking a non-invasive therapy 4.