Seborrheic keratosis

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image of seborrheic keratoses on the back Seborrheic keratoses on the back
Close-up image of seborrheic keratoses Close-up of seborrheic keratoses

Seborrheic keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is one of the most common types of noncancerous skin growths in older adults.

A seborrheic keratosis usually appears as a brown, black or pale growth on the face, chest, shoulders or back. The growth has a waxy, scaly, slightly elevated appearance. Occasionally, it appears singly, but multiple growths are more common. Seborrheic keratoses don't become cancerous, but they can look like skin cancer.

Seborrheic keratoses are normally painless and require no treatment. You may decide, however, to have them removed if they become irritated by clothing or for cosmetic reasons.

Symptoms
References
  1. Thomas VD, et al. Benign epithelial tumors, hamartomas, and hyperplasias. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2981822. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  2. Seborrheic keratoses. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch127/ch127h.html. Accessed Sept. 16, 2010.
  3. Seborrheic keratoses. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_seb_keratoses.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  4. Habif TP. Benign skin tumors. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00029-8&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=1054258674&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00029-8--s0010&uniqId=218874618-7#4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00029-8--s0010. Accessed Sept. 16, 2010.
  5. Seborrheic keratoses. American Osteopathic School of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/seborrheic_keratos.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  6. Culbertson GR. 532-nm diode laser treatment of seborrheic keratoses with color enhancement. Dermatologic Surgery. 2008;34:525.
DS00846 Nov. 23, 2010

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