Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is among the most common benign skin growths, appearing from middle age onward and accumulating in number with time. The classic look is waxy and stuck-on, as though the growth were pressed onto the skin rather than growing out of it, in shades from light tan through dark brown and black. They favor the face, chest, shoulders and back, and can turn up almost anywhere except the palms and soles. They are harmless. The complication is that they can closely resemble warts, precancerous lesions and, in some cases, melanoma, which is why Wall Street Dermatology's position is that these growths should not be removed at home or by anyone who has not first ruled out cancer. Dr. Julia Tzu examines each lesion, with dermoscopy where the appearance is not clear-cut, and holds board certification in dermatopathology if tissue needs microscopic examination. Removal, once the diagnosis is settled, uses hyfrecation, laser, or shave removal, and which of the three applies depends mostly on how thick the lesion is.
At a Glance
- Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common benign skin growths, especially after age 50[3]
- These growths have a characteristic 'stuck-on' appearance and are not cancerous[1]
- Seborrheic keratoses tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component[3]
- Removed growths typically don't return, though new ones may develop elsewhere[2]
What are the symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis?
- Round or oval waxy or rough bump
- Stuck-on or pasted-on appearance
- Flat or slightly raised with warty surface
- Color ranging from light tan to brown to black
- Size varying from small to over 1 inch across
- Slightly elevated border
- May appear alone or in clusters
- Can become itchy, especially if irritated by clothing
When should you seek care for Seborrheic Keratosis?
- Any new skin growth, so that it can be confirmed as benign rather than assumed to be
- A growth turned irritated, bleeding, or sore
- A growth changing in color, size, or shape
- Many new growths appearing over a short period, which occasionally warrants a broader evaluation
- Uncertainty about whether a lesion is a seborrheic keratosis or something that needs treating
- Cosmetic concern, particularly on the face and neck
- A growth that catches on clothing, a collar, or a bra strap and keeps getting knocked
Have questions about seborrheic keratosis? Our team is here to help.
What causes Seborrheic Keratosis?
- Exact cause unknown
- Genetic tendency (runs in families)
- Age-related skin changes
- Not caused by sun exposure (unlike actinic keratosis)
- Not contagious or caused by virus
How is Seborrheic Keratosis treated?
We offer a service to help manage this condition: Laser Treatment.
Prognosis
- Excellent prognosis as these are benign
- Growths don't become cancerous
- Typically don't return after removal, especially if small
- New seborrheic keratoses may develop elsewhere
- Skin may be lighter in removal area (usually fades)
- No treatment needed unless bothersome
Frequently Asked Questions
What is seborrheic keratosis?
Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin growth that typically appears in multiplicity after age 50. These growths have a waxy, "stuck-on" appearance and range in color from tan to dark brown. They're not cancerous and not contagious. They commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?
Seborrheic keratoses are not dangerous. They are benign growths that don't become cancerous. However, they can look similar to skin cancer, so it's important to have any new skin growth examined by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out concerning conditions.
When should I see a doctor about a seborrheic keratosis?
See a dermatologist for any new skin growth to confirm it's not skin cancer. Also seek evaluation if a growth becomes irritated, bleeds, changes in appearance, or if many new growths appear suddenly. An in-office examination can quickly differentiate seborrheic keratoses from concerning lesions.
How are seborrheic keratoses removed?
Common removal methods include cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), electrocautery (burning), and curettage (scraping). Shave removal and laser treatment are also options. The choice depends on the size, location, and number of growths. Treatment is optional since these are benign.
Do seborrheic keratoses come back after removal?
Individual seborrheic keratoses typically don't return once removed. However, if you're prone to developing them, new ones may appear in different locations over time. The skin where one was removed may temporarily appear lighter than surrounding skin.
How can I tell if it's seborrheic keratosis or skin cancer?
It can be difficult to distinguish seborrheic keratosis from skin cancer without professional evaluation. Seborrheic keratoses typically have a waxy, "stuck-on" appearance with well-defined borders. However, any new or changing skin growth should be examined by a dermatologist to rule out melanoma or other skin cancers.
How is a seborrheic keratosis distinguished from a melanoma?
Clinical examination handles the great majority, and dermoscopy resolves most of the rest: seborrheic keratoses show characteristic structures under magnification that pigmented melanocytic lesions do not. Where the picture stays ambiguous, biopsy settles it definitively. That step is the reason the practice discourages home removal: destroying a lesion also destroys the ability to examine it.
Which removal method is used, and what decides it?
Thickness, mostly. Hyfrecation delivers precisely controlled electrical energy to lift the growth off in progressive layers and is one of the most cosmetically elegant options. Laser is most effective on very thin lesions, where the beam destroys the pigmented portion and the growth falls away over about two weeks. Shave removal uses a surgical blade to pare a bulkier lesion flush with the surrounding skin. All three are done under local or topical anesthesia.
What does healing look like after removal?
It varies by method. A laser-treated site darkens over roughly two weeks before clearing. Hyfrecation leaves a crusted, darkened area for one to two weeks with full healing over a couple of months. A shave site heals as a raw area over several weeks, and the pink discoloration fades over months. All three need petrolatum, and all three need sun protection, because sun exposure on healing skin produces exactly the brown mark the removal was meant to eliminate.
Do seborrheic keratoses come back after removal?
A properly removed lesion does not usually return at that site. New ones continue to appear elsewhere, though, because the tendency to form them is constitutional and increases with age. Removal treats the growths you have and does not stop new ones from developing.
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Sources & References
This article draws from 5 peer-reviewed sources.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-08-05