Seborrheic Keratosis

Posted on August 20, 2010
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Seborrheic keratosis is the presence of having growths on the surface of the skin that look like warts and are noncancerous. Its other names are barnacle, senile keratosis, seborrheic verruca, and senile warts. This benign skin growth begins in keratinocyte, which is the major constituent of the epidermis. Aging is a factor that can contribute to the appearance of .

The medical term “seborrheic keratosis” is the combination of word seborrheic (characterized by the skin disorder causing scaly, itchy, and flaky, reddish skin affecting the sebum-gland rich areas), and the producer of keratin known as keratinocyte and the suffix -osis meaning abnormal.

The characteristics of seborhheic keratoses may vary like how it goes with their colors ranging from light tan to black. They measure from very tiny to over an inch across and round or oval in shape, and flat or elevated.

It can appear like a melanoma skin cancer or a wart although it has no viral origins. A seemingly pasted on appearance is the normal description of seborrheic keratosis granted that the only part involved in the top layer of the epidermis.

It is not clear why seborrheic keratosis exists on some individuals. However, the harmful rays coming from the sun can be pointed at because involved are the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun in most cases. The body areas greatly affected are back, face, neck, and arms. Another factor that may contribute to its existence is genetics.

The horny pearls of and the embedded cysts can be attributed to its transpiration on the skin. It is suggested to consult a skin expert if you have doubt. One way to determine this condition is via skin biopsy.

In appearance, seborrheic keratosis is somehow the same as epidermal nevi. It is a must for you to have dermatoscopy since it also resembles condylomas and warts. For you to determine whether it is condyloma or seborrheic keratosis, a skin biopsy is cardinal.

It has to be noted that there is no treatment needed if the diagnosis was correct. If the lesions are picked, there is a minimal risk that the surrounding areas of the skin would be infected locally. If there is a noticeably sharp itchiness on the growth, cryosurgery is needed.

Electrocautery is the best for those who have small lesions. Conversely, bigger lesions necessitates various treatments such as cryotherapy, shave excision, and electrodessication and curettage. Rightful treatment is necessary so that there would be not much scars visible on the skins of affected individuals save for dark-skinned ones.

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