Seborrheic Keratosis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
A common noncancerous skin growth that appears as a brown, black, or pale growth on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. They have a waxy, stuck-on appearance and are one of the most common skin growths in older adults.
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Quick Answer
Seborrheic keratoses are common, noncancerous skin growths that frequently appear in adults over 50. Often described as looking like a "stuck-on" waxy brown, black, or tan patch, they can develop on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. They are harmless and have no potential to turn into cancer. Most people do not need to do anything about them unless they become irritated by clothing or are cosmetically bothersome. If they bleed, grow rapidly, or change in appearance, you should have a doctor examine them to confirm they are not melanoma.
Clinical Context
Seborrheic keratoses are the most common benign tumors in older adults, affecting nearly all people over 50. They arise from keratinocytes and have no malignant potential. The classic 'stuck-on' appearance and waxy texture are diagnostic. While harmless, they can be confused with melanoma or other skin cancers, making proper identification important. The sudden appearance of multiple lesions (sign of Leser-Trélat) may rarely indicate internal malignancy.
Symptoms
- Waxy, stuck-on appearance (characteristic)
- Round or oval shape
- Brown, tan, black, or skin-colored
- Slightly raised with flat surface
- Rough, warty texture when touched
- May itch, especially if irritated by clothing
Severity & Progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age-related (most significant factor)
- Genetic predisposition (runs in families)
- Not caused by sun exposure (unlike actinic keratosis)
- Not contagious or caused by viruses
- Unknown exact mechanism of development
May Be Confused With
This condition can look similar to other skin conditions. A healthcare professional can help distinguish between them.
Treatment & Management
Seborrheic keratoses don't require treatment since they're benign. Removal is purely cosmetic or for irritated lesions. Options include cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping after local anesthesia), electrodesiccation (burning), and laser therapy. Hydrogen peroxide topical solution (Eskata) was FDA-approved but availability varies. Insurance typically doesn't cover cosmetic removal. New lesions may develop over time regardless of treatment.
- Usually no treatment needed (benign)
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing)
- Curettage (scraping with curette)
- Electrosurgery/cautery
- Laser removal
- Hydrogen peroxide topical solution (40%)
Red Flags & Complications
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Inflammation if irritated by clothing or jewelry
- Bleeding if traumatized
- Cosmetic concern, especially on visible areas
- Rarely, confusion with melanoma
Self-Care Tips
- Leave them alone if not bothersome
- Avoid picking or scratching
- Protect from friction with clothing
- Take photos to monitor any changes
- Use gentle skincare to avoid irritation
When to See a Doctor
If growths change rapidly, have irregular borders, show color variation, bleed without trauma, or if you're unsure whether they're cancerous. Any sudden appearance of many new lesions warrants evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a seborrheic keratosis look like in early stages?
In the beginning, a seborrheic keratosis often looks like a small, slightly raised, flat-topped bump that is light tan or skin-colored. Over time, it slowly thickens and develops its classic rough, warty, or "stuck-on" appearance. It may also darken to brown or black. Because early growths can resemble other conditions, having a doctor examine any new mark is a good idea.
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?
No, seborrheic keratoses are completely benign, meaning they are noncancerous. They do not spread to other organs and have no potential to turn into skin cancer. The main concern is that they can sometimes look similar to serious skin cancers like melanoma. If you notice a new or changing dark mark, always have it evaluated by a healthcare professional to be safe.
Will seborrheic keratosis go away on its own?
No, seborrheic keratoses generally do not disappear on their own. Once they develop, they are permanent unless they are medically removed. Because they are harmless, treatment is usually unnecessary. Most people choose to simply leave them alone. However, if a growth becomes inflamed, itches, or catches on your clothing, a doctor can easily remove it in the clinic.
Can I treat seborrheic keratosis at home?
You should not try to remove a seborrheic keratosis at home. Picking, scratching, or using over-the-counter freeze sprays and acids can lead to painful irritation, infection, crusting, or permanent scarring. Furthermore, self-treating a growth without a proper diagnosis is risky, as you might accidentally be irritating a more dangerous skin condition. Always leave removal to a medical professional.
How is seborrheic keratosis different from melanoma?
While both can be dark and irregularly shaped, seborrheic keratoses typically have a waxy, elevated surface that looks like it was pasted onto the skin. Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that often arises as an evolving, flat or raised mole with irregular borders, varied colours, or an asymmetrical shape. Because telling them apart can be difficult, a medical examination is essential.
Does seborrheic keratosis spread?
Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and do not spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another like an infection. However, many people who get one will naturally develop more over time. Developing multiple growths is largely determined by ageing and genetics, not by the initial lesion spreading.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if a growth grows rapidly, turns black, bleeds, itches persistently, or feels painful. You should also seek medical advice if numerous seborrheic keratoses suddenly appear all at once, as this can rarely indicate a deeper underlying health issue. Always get a professional evaluation for any new or unusual skin lesion to rule out skin cancer.
How can ScanSkinAI help with seborrheic keratosis?
ScanSkinAI is a helpful screening aid that analyses photos of your skin to flag concerning features, helping you decide if you should see a doctor. It also allows you to track growths over time to monitor for changes in size or colour. However, ScanSkinAI cannot diagnose seborrheic keratosis or any other condition. You should always rely on a qualified healthcare professional for an official diagnosis.
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Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.