Seborrhoeic Keratosis

Seborrhoeic Keratosis (also spelled seborrheic keratosis) is a common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growth that typically appears in middle-aged and older adults. Despite sometimes alarming appearance, it’s not harmful and does not turn into skin cancer.

 

What Seborrhoeic Keratosis Looks Like:

Colour: Usually brown, black, or light tan

Texture: Waxy, scaly, or rough — often described as looking “stuck on” like a blob of candle wax or a wart

Shape: Round or oval, with a well-defined edge

Size: Can range from very small (a few millimetres) to over 2.5 cm in diameter

Location: Common on the chest, back, face, or scalp, but can appear anywhere except the palms or soles

 

Causes of Seborrhoeic Keratosis:

Age-related: Most people develop them as they get older

Genetic predisposition: They tend to run in families

Sun exposure: May contribute, but they can also occur in non-exposed areas

 

Symptoms:

Usually painless and don’t cause symptoms

May become irritated or itchy, especially if rubbed by clothing or jewellery

Sometimes mistaken for skin cancer, which is why diagnosis by a healthcare professional is important

 

Diagnosis:

Usually diagnosed visually by a doctor or dermatologist

Occasionally, a biopsy may be taken to rule out melanoma or other skin cancers if the appearance is unusual

 

Treatment on Seborrhoeic Keratosis

Treatment isn’t necessary unless the lesion:

Becomes irritated

Bleeds

Is cosmetically undesirable

 

Removal options include:

Cryotherapy (freezing)

Curettage (scraping off)

Electrocautery (burning off)

Laser therapy

 

Seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless, but any new or changing skin lesion should be assessed by a professional to rule out more serious conditions.

 

Price

Priced at £50 with appointments taking 45 minutes.

 

Location

Treatments take place in the relaxing and welcoming environment of Ann’s bright, modern, spacious clinic, in Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire, which is perfectly placed for clients in Hertfordshire, too.

 

Contact Ann to book your appointment

To discuss the right treatment options for you and to book your appointment with Ann, please get in touch.