Seborrheic keratosis pictures of scalp. Seborrheic Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

04.09.202307.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are seborrheic keratoses. How do they develop on the scalp and other body parts. What treatment options are available for managing seborrheic keratoses. When should you consult a dermatologist about seborrheic keratoses.

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Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis: A Common Skin Condition

Seborrheic keratosis is a prevalent benign skin growth that affects millions of people worldwide. These growths, often referred to as “wisdom spots” or “age spots,” typically appear as people age. Despite their sometimes concerning appearance, seborrheic keratoses are harmless and do not develop into skin cancer.

These growths can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and scalp. They range in color from light tan to dark brown or black and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

Key Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis

Waxy or scaly appearance
Raised surface with a “stuck-on” look
Round or oval shape
Varying colors (light tan to dark brown or black)
Size ranging from 1mm to 3cm or larger

Are seborrheic keratoses contagious? No, these growths are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another through contact.

Causes and Risk Factors of Seborrheic Keratosis

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown, but several factors have been identified as potential contributors to their development:

Age: More common in older adults, typically appearing after age 50
Genetics: Tendency to develop these growths may run in families
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation may increase risk
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy or hormone therapy might trigger growth

Is seborrheic keratosis linked to sun damage? While sun exposure may play a role in their development, seborrheic keratoses can also appear on areas of skin that receive little to no sun exposure.

Diagnosing Seborrheic Keratosis: When to Seek Medical Advice

While seborrheic keratoses are generally harmless, it’s essential to have any new or changing skin growths evaluated by a dermatologist. This is particularly important if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Rapid growth or change in size or color
Bleeding, itching, or pain
Irregular borders or asymmetry
Multiple growths appearing suddenly

How do dermatologists diagnose seborrheic keratosis? Dermatologists typically diagnose seborrheic keratosis through visual examination. In some cases, a dermoscopy (a special magnifying device) may be used for a closer look. If there’s any doubt about the diagnosis, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratosis

In most cases, seborrheic keratoses do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. However, if treatment is desired or necessary, several options are available:

1. Cryotherapy

This procedure involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. It’s quick and effective but may cause temporary discoloration of the treated area.

2. Electrocautery

Using an electric current to burn off the growth, this method is often combined with curettage (scraping) for optimal results.

3. Shave Excision

The growth is shaved off using a surgical blade, leaving the skin smooth. This method may be preferred for larger growths.

4. Laser Therapy

Various types of lasers can be used to remove seborrheic keratoses, often with minimal scarring.

5. Topical Treatments

Hydrogen peroxide 40% solution (Eskata) is an FDA-approved topical treatment for seborrheic keratosis. It’s applied in-office by a healthcare provider.

Can seborrheic keratosis be treated at home? While professional treatments are most effective, some over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids may help reduce the appearance of seborrheic keratoses. However, these should be used with caution and only after consulting a dermatologist.

Preventing Seborrheic Keratosis: Is It Possible?

While it’s not always possible to prevent seborrheic keratoses from developing, certain measures may help reduce their occurrence or progression:

Sun protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing
Moisturize regularly: Keep skin hydrated to maintain overall skin health
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated
Regular skin checks: Monitor your skin for any new or changing growths

Do seborrheic keratoses ever go away on their own? While it’s rare, some seborrheic keratoses may fall off on their own, especially if they become irritated. However, most remain stable or continue to grow slowly over time.

Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Other Skin Conditions: Differential Diagnosis

Seborrheic keratoses can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, including some forms of skin cancer. It’s crucial to understand the differences:

Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Melanoma

While both can appear as dark, raised growths, melanomas often have irregular borders, varying colors within the same lesion, and tend to change rapidly. Seborrheic keratoses typically have more uniform color and a “stuck-on” appearance.

Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions caused by sun damage. They’re usually flat or slightly raised, rough in texture, and often appear on sun-exposed areas. Seborrheic keratoses are typically more raised and can appear on both sun-exposed and unexposed skin.

Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often have a rough, cauliflower-like surface. They’re more common in children and young adults, while seborrheic keratoses typically affect older individuals.

How can you tell the difference between seborrheic keratosis and skin cancer? While certain characteristics can help distinguish between the two, a professional evaluation by a dermatologist is always recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Living with Seborrheic Keratosis: Quality of Life Considerations

While seborrheic keratoses are benign, they can impact an individual’s quality of life, particularly if they’re numerous or located in visible areas. Some considerations include:

Emotional impact: Self-consciousness or embarrassment about appearance
Physical discomfort: Itching or irritation, especially if growths are in areas prone to friction
Cosmetic concerns: Difficulty in covering or concealing growths
Social implications: Misconceptions about the nature of the growths

How can you cope with the psychological impact of seborrheic keratosis? Open communication with healthcare providers, seeking support from loved ones, and joining support groups can help individuals manage the emotional aspects of living with seborrheic keratosis.

Seborrheic Keratosis Research: Current Studies and Future Directions

Research into seborrheic keratosis continues to evolve, with scientists exploring various aspects of this common skin condition:

Genetic Studies

Researchers are investigating the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to develop seborrheic keratoses. Understanding these genetic links could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Scientists are exploring new topical treatments and minimally invasive procedures to provide more effective and less scarring options for removing seborrheic keratoses.

Molecular Pathways

Studies are underway to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of seborrheic keratoses, which could pave the way for targeted therapies.

What promising new treatments for seborrheic keratosis are on the horizon? While research is ongoing, potential future treatments may include more advanced topical solutions, improved laser technologies, and even targeted molecular therapies.

In conclusion, seborrheic keratosis remains a common and generally benign skin condition that affects many individuals, particularly as they age. While these growths can be cosmetically concerning, they pose no serious health risks. Understanding the nature of seborrheic keratoses, recognizing their characteristics, and knowing when to seek medical advice are crucial for managing this condition effectively. As research continues, we can look forward to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options, enhancing our ability to address seborrheic keratoses and maintain optimal skin health.

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Seborrhoeic keratoses

Seborrhoeic keratosis

Seborrheic Keratosis Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

Who’s At Risk?

Seborrheic keratoses can occur any time after puberty, and almost everyone older than 50 has one or more of these skin growths. They may increase in number with age. Members of the same family can have an inherited tendency to grow multiple seborrheic keratoses. Men and women are equally as likely to develop them. People with darker skin colors tend to develop seborrheic keratoses less frequently than those with lighter skin colors.

Signs & Symptoms

Seborrheic keratoses can occur anywhere on the body, except for the palms, soles, and mucous membranes (areas such as in the mouth or anus). They most commonly occur on the chest and back. Seborrheic keratoses do not go away on their own, and they do not become cancerous.

They usually start as light brown or skin-colored, slightly raised areas, which can be round or oval and of varying size (usually smaller than a thumbnail, but sometimes much larger). As they grow thicker, seborrheic keratoses may become dark brown to almost black and appear to be “stuck on” to the surface of the skin. The surface may feel smooth or rough. In lighter skin colors, they may be pink or any shade of brown. In darker skin colors, they may be any shade of brown, purple, gray, or blackish.

Self-Care Guidelines

No treatment is needed unless there is irritation from clothing, such as itching or bleeding.

Note that:

There is no way to prevent new seborrheic keratoses from forming.
Some lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, or urea may make the areas feel smoother with regular use but will not eliminate them.
Over-the-counter freezing techniques are available but are usually not effective.

Treatments

Removal can be accomplished with freezing (cryosurgery), scraping (curettage), burning (electrocautery), lasers, or acids. Your dermatologist or other medical professional might conduct a biopsy if the growth looks unusual.

Visit Urgency

If a lesion on your skin is growing, bleeding, painful, or itchy, see your dermatologist or another medical professional. Similarly, consult a medical professional for any growth that is more than one color, that is dark brown or black, or that looks different than any of your other skin growths.

Seborrheic keratoses can be removed, but removal is considered a cosmetic issue and is usually not covered by insurance.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Skin Conditions
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Keratosis, Seborrheic

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Last modified on May 30th, 2023 at 2:11 pm

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Derma Clinic Riga – Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis

What is this?

Seborrheic keratosis, or basal cell papilloma (it is also called “senile keratosis”) is a benign superficial skin formation. These are common skin lesions that occur in approximately 30% of patients over 40 years of age, and up to 75% of patients around 70 years of age. Sometimes found in young people. Sometimes these are separate formations, but some people have them in very large quantities (up to several hundred). For health, these neoplasms are not harmful, not contagious to other people, and do not transform into malignant tumors.

What causes seborrheic keratosis?

Despite the name, there is no connection with seborrhea and the sebaceous glands found in the skin. The reason for their occurrence is unknown. In some people, their appearance can be associated with prolonged exposure to the sun and activation in the body of the human papillomavirus (HPV, human papilloma virus – HPV ). Also, some patients have a genetic predisposition to the formation of seborrheic keratoses.

What are the symptoms and how to recognize?

In typical cases, seborrheic keratoses do not show any symptoms, except for visually noticeable skin formations. Sometimes they can cause itching, depending on the location, they can be injured by clothing and become inflamed. Mostly people do not like the appearance of these formations, especially if they are located on open areas of the skin.

Seborrheic keratosis is characterized by:

rough, keratinized surface;
color from light brown to almost black;
an increase in small, flat seborrheic keratoses in size and thickness;
localization in the chest, abdomen, back, neck and face.

How is seborrheic keratosis diagnosed?

Seborrheic keratoses are much more common than malignant skin tumors, but be aware that dark seborrheic keratoses can look like melanoma. With the help of dermatoscopy, all pigmented formations on the skin should be examined so that the diagnosis is made correctly.

How to remove tumors?

There are various methods for eliminating seborrheic keratoses, but none of them excludes the emergence of new formations.

Given the prevalence of keratoses and their benign nature, treatment is primarily cosmetic. If the formations are regularly injured, then it is recommended to get rid of them.

The most commonly used methods for the elimination of seborrheic keratoses:

cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen). Within 1-2 weeks after the procedure, the formations are exfoliated from the surface of the skin;
laser destruction. Depending on the size of the removed formations, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or without anesthesia;
surgical excision (removal) – if during a clinical study it is not possible to exclude the likelihood of developing a malignant process (difficulty determining differences from a malignant tumor).

Prophylaxis:

there are no such means of prevention that would exclude the occurrence of seborrheic keratoses;
pay close attention to any skin growths that increase in size, bleed, change in any way. Ask your loved ones for help in assessing skin changes on the back.

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Keratosis: signs, symptoms and treatment

Keratoses (keratoderma, keratodermatosis) are a group of dermatological pathologies characterized by a violation of the normal process of keratinization of the epidermis. A patient suffering from a disease is faced with the formation of foci of rough skin on the body and limbs. Often zones of dermatosis appear on the palms and soles – relatively large areas of the dermis, devoid of sebaceous glands. The clinical picture of the pathology depends on the form of keratoderma that has developed in a child or adult.

General

Keratoderma can occur in acute or chronic forms. Based on histological analyzes of biomaterials of children and adults, doctors determine the nature of dermatoses, referring them to acquired or hereditary pathologies. The disease affecting the skin of the patient does not have a pronounced seasonality. A significant influence on the likelihood of developing a pathological process in the cells of the epidermis is exerted by race, gender, age and region of residence of a person.

Classification of keratoderma

Dermatologists distinguish three main types of keratoses:

follicular,
seborrheic,
actinic.

Dermatoses of the first type are the result of the formation of horny plugs in the mouths of the hair follicles. Seborrheic keratoderma are neoplasms in the form of nodules or plaques, painted in brown or black. Actinic keratosis is a disease that occurs in people over 60 years of age. Dermatoses of this form look like a cluster of small scaly spots.

Etiology of disease

The reasons for the development of keratoderma are diverse. Pathology can develop against the background of endocrine disorders, viral or bacterial infections, malignant neoplasms. Excessive insolation has a significant impact on the condition of the skin of children and adults. Often, pathological processes are the result of an insufficiently varied diet of the patient.

External and internal factors lead to changes in the well-established process of reproduction of epidermal cells. In the body of a healthy person, dead skin particles undergo keratinization and exfoliate. These scales are saturated with keratin and practically devoid of moisture. Keratodermatosis provokes a doubling of the growth rate of epidermal cells. The structures of the dermis of the previous generation do not have time to go through a full life cycle. Because of this, a dense plate is formed on the surface of the skin from a mixture of cells and keratin.

Symptoms of pathology

The symptoms of keratosis correspond to the form of the disease from which the patient suffers. Common signs of keratoderma of all forms are well-marked keratinization foci and excessive skin flaking. Primary neoplasms on the surface of the epidermis have different sizes, shapes and colors. Often the first manifestation of pathology is a red rash. As symptoms increase, the elements merge with each other and form a continuous hyperkeratotic surface. Typical localization sites of seborrheic keratosis are the face, neck and scalp. Follicular dermatitis often develops on the body and lower extremities. The actinic type of pathology affects the skin of the neck, back and arms.

The pathological process can proceed in dry and wet forms. In the first case, dehydrated epidermal cells form a hard, inelastic surface, which is covered with cracks. Skin flakes with residual moisture can cause erosion and weeping. In this case, a secondary infection joins the primary pathology. The launched inflammatory process can become chronic – the patient will suffer from periodic relapses.

Diagnostic measures

Confirmation of the diagnosis is performed by a dermatologist based on the clinical picture of the pathology and histological analysis data. A laboratory study of skin scrapings obtained by a doctor during an examination of a child or adult allows you to establish the form of keratosis and determine the causes of the development of the disease. Differential diagnosis gives dermatologists the opportunity to exclude seborrhea, psoriasis, lichen planus, Bowen’s disease, melanoma, and basal cell skin cancer from the patient’s history.

Therapeutic course

Treatment methods for keratosis are determined by a dermatologist based on the symptoms identified in the patient and the results of a clinical and laboratory examination. Drug therapy allows you to achieve a quick effect with a small area of skin lesions. A child or an adult is prescribed preparations based on fluorouracil – ointments or gels.

The threat of malignant degeneration of neoplasms and the development of a secondary infection in a patient can be a reason for doctors to choose radical methods of treating keratosis. Most often, dermatologists resort to cryo-, radio- or electrical destruction. Surgical removal of keratoderma foci is carried out in the chronic course of the disease and the absence of signs of tissue malignancy.

Forecast and preventive measures

Patients who seek medical help in a timely manner can expect a full recovery. The dermatologist will form a treatment plan that will prevent the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. The neglected course of dermatoses can lead to malignant degeneration of foci of pathology or the addition of secondary bacterial infections to keratosis.

Prevention of pathology involves the observance by patients of precautionary measures during their stay on the street. Excessive insolation often causes disruption of the normal processes of skin keratinization. The use of sunscreens will minimize the risk of formation of cellular keratin plaques.

Diagnosis and treatment of keratosis in Moscow

JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) has all the necessary equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of keratoses in children and adults.