Seborrheic Keratosis: Care Instructions

Overview

Seborrheic keratoses are common noncancerous (benign) skin growths. They may appear as one growth or as a cluster of growths, most often on the chest or back and sometimes on the scalp, face, or neck.

They appear as raised skin growths that look scaly or warty. They usually look like they were stuck onto the skin. They are more common in older people.

A seborrheic keratosis can vary from pale white to brown to black. The size varies from very small to the size of a medium coin. A seborrheic keratosis is not a mole and is almost always harmless. But it's still a good idea to check your skin regularly.

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar.

A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it, burn it, or scrape it off with a tool. The doctor can also use a laser to remove the growth. Treatment usually results in normal-looking skin. But it can leave a light or dark mark or even a scar on the skin.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If clothing irritates your seborrheic keratosis, cover it with a bandage to prevent rubbing and bleeding.
• If you have a seborrheic keratosis removed, clean the area with soap and water 2 times a day unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
• If you see a change in a skin growth, contact your doctor. Look for:
  • A skin growth that bleeds.
  • A fast-growing skin growth.
  • A scaly or crusted growth on the skin.
  • A sore that will not heal.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have an area of normal skin that suddenly changes in shape, size, or how it looks.
• Your skin has open wounds from scratching.
• You have symptoms of infection such as:
  • Pain, warmth, or swelling in your skin.
  • Red streaks near a wound in your skin.
  • Pus coming from a wound in your skin.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.