Seborrheic Keratosis: A Plain-English Guide

A seborrheic keratosis is a skin growth that often appears as a raised, waxy, scaly, or slightly rough patch. Colors can range from light tan to dark brown or black, and it often looks as if it were pressed onto the surface of the skin. It is usually painless, though it can sometimes itch or catch on clothing.

People sometimes call these growths "age spots" or "barnacles" and sometimes confuse them with warts. They are not the same thing as a wart, which is related to a virus, and seborrheic keratosis is not considered contagious. They can show up on the chest, back, face, scalp, or other areas.

Because several skin conditions can look alike, including some that matter more, appearance alone is not a reliable way to tell them apart. A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated. The ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving) are only a general guide for knowing when to get something looked at, not a way to diagnose yourself.

Many seborrheic keratoses are simply left alone once a clinician has confirmed what they are, since they are typically harmless. Some people choose to have one addressed because it is irritated by clothing or jewelry, bothers them cosmetically, or is hard to tell apart from something else.

When removal is chosen, clinicians have traditionally used approaches such as cryotherapy (freezing), scraping, or surgical excision. Which approach is considered depends on the growth, its location, and the person's skin and health, and that decision belongs to a licensed clinician after an exam.

If there is any question about what a growth is, a provider may take a sample or remove it for laboratory review. Results vary, and skin growths can sometimes appear again or new ones can develop. Over-the-counter wart products are not designed for these growths, and cutting, burning, or digging out a growth at home is not advised.

A visit with a dermatologist or other licensed clinician usually starts with a conversation about the spot: when you noticed it, whether it has changed, and whether it itches, bleeds, or hurts. The provider will typically look closely at the skin, sometimes with a handheld magnifying device, and may check other areas too.

The right provider may help by telling you what the growth appears to be, whether it needs any further testing, and whether leaving it alone or addressing it is reasonable. If you are considering removal, they can explain the options that may fit your situation and what recovery may look like.

Helpful questions to ask include: What do you think this growth is, and how sure are you? Should any of it be tested? What are the options, including doing nothing? What are the possible side effects, such as marks or color changes? How should I watch for changes, and when should I come back? Tell the provider about any diabetes, circulation problems, or immune conditions, as these can matter.