Seborrheic Keratosis, often referred to as wisdom spots or barnacles, are benign lesions that appear on the skin as we age. Seborrheic keratoses can be flat or raised, of various sizes and shapes, smooth and waxy or rough and warty. They often range in color from skin colored to dark brown to black, and have a characteristic stuck on appearance, as if you could peel them off. Seborrheic keratoses can appear anywhere on the body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Seborrheic Keratoses are very common and can affect as many as 90% of adults 60 years and older.
WHAT CAUSES SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS (SK)
The cause is unknown. Sun exposure and genetics have been postulated as possible causes of their development.
TREATING SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS
Seborrheic Keratoses are benign and do not need treatment. However, they are often removed for cosmetic purposes or biopsied if their appearance resembles that of a skin cancer. They can be removed via shave biopsy or with cryotherapy.
REFERENCES
Bolognia, JL., Jorizzo, JJ., Schaffer, JV., Callen, JP., Cerroni, L., Heymann, WR., … Schwarz, T. (2012). Dermatology, 3rd edition . London: Elsevier. James, WD., Berger, TG., Elston, DM. (2011). Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin, Eleventh Edition. Elsevier Seborrhoeic keratosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-keratosis/
