Many people who develop a seborrheic keratosis are instantly worried about the wart-like growth because it looks like skin cancer or a pre-cancerous skin spot. However, the seborrheic keratoses is harmless. The spot develops during middle age or later and is often referred to as a ‘barnacle of age.’
The Appearance of the Seborrheic Keratosis
The seborrheic keratosis looks like a small, rough bump on the skin’s surface. As time passes, it slowly thickens and often takes on a wart-like appearance. The lesions are usually brown, but they can range from white to black. When fully developed, they measure an inch or larger. Most people develop the waxy bumps on their face, chest, back, and neck.
Removing a Seborrheic Keratosis
Many individuals hate the look of the seborrheic keratosis on their skin’s surface. They feel that the lesion makes them appear old. However, there are options that you can take to have the spot safely and permanently removed.
- Cryosurgery: A solution of liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth using a handheld spray gun or a cotton swab. This can quickly and effectively destroy the lesion within days. The site might start to blister at first, but it will then develop a scab-like crust and fall off.
Discoloration of the Skin Following Removal
The area where the seborrheic keratosis was removed often appears lighter than the surrounding skin. In most cases, the region will eventually match the skin’s overall color, but on some individuals, the skin hue change might be permanent.
Outlook after Removing the Growth
After removal, it is exceedingly rare for a seborrheic keratosis to regrow at the site of the old growth. However, over the years, you might develop new spots on various locations on your body and must also have them removed.
To learn more about seborrheic keratosis, contact our office today!