Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth that affects the skin; It is manifested by brownish generally projecting formations. The surface areas affected by seborrheic keratosis tends to flake and form oily scabs prone to come off.

The seborrheic keratoses are very frequently manifest themselves in the face and in the trunk of subjects who achieved the advanced average age, without preference of sex.

They may have different dimensions, both depending on the subject, both the area affected by keratosis: generally, there is a diameter from 1 mm to 1 cm, but bigger dimensions can be seen.
Often, seborrheic keratoses just seem fastened to the skin and give the feeling to come off easily. Precisely because of the precariousness with which the seborrheic keratoses are attached to the skin, it is not rare that one can eradicate, partially or completely, following a trauma.
Seborrheic formations are not contagious nor infectious and, contrary to actinic keratosis, they can not evolve into malignant tumors.
The dermatologist must correctly diagnose the disorder, analyzing every single seborrheic wart to avoid any misunderstandings: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and cell thorn. Through the Dermatoscopy, the specialist is able to make a correct diagnosis and differentiate seborrheic keratosis from cutaneous diseases of other nature.

We can identify various subtypes of seborrheic keratosis:

• acanthotic seborrheic keratosis is the most common form, which has a diffuse pigmentation from brown to dark brown with pseudo-cyst corneas tend to take on a yellowish tint.
• acral seborrheic keratosis: mainly affects the legs and skin lesions are multiple.
• hyperkeratotic seborrheic keratosis: keratotic event that tends to constantly flake off.
• pigmented seborrheic keratosis: the lesions show multiple pigmentations and the presence of melanocytes is abundant.
• irritated seborrheic keratosis (or inverted): it is accompanied by irritation and other possible alterations of the skin. Manifests bleeding and redness of the affected areas. Usually, the infiltration of melanophages in these areas give a bluish color stains, sometimes causing diagnostic doubts (difficulty to distinguish it from other malignant skin tumours).
• nigra papular dermatitis (seborrheic keratosis on dark skin).

Usually seborrheic keratoses are treated for aesthetic reasons. In this case, diathermy, cryotherapy and laser represent possible solutions for the elimination of seborrheic keratoses. 

For further information or appointment, please contact our clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.