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1. What are seborrheic keratoses?
Seborrheic keratoses are benign growths of the outer layer of skin.
They can vary in color from brown to light tan, all the way to black.
When they first appear, the growths usually begin as small rough
bumps and grow to variable sizes. Eventually they thicken and develop
a rough, warty surface. Seborrheic keratoses have a waxy, pasted-on
or stuck-on look.
2. What causes them?
Almost everybody will eventually develop at least a few seborrheic
keratoses. These become common and more numerous with advancing
age. Sometimes seborrheic keratoses may erupt during pregnancy,
following estrogen therapy or in association with other medical
problems.
3. Where do they appear?
Seborrheic keratoses are most often found on the chest or back.
Although they may appear anywhere on the body, seborrheic keratoses
are less common below the waist. Since they are not caused by sunlight
they can be seen in sun-exposed and nonsun-exposed areas.
4. How serious are they?
Seborrheic keratoses may be unsightly, especially if they begin
to appear on the face. They can get irritated by clothing, jewelry
or belts rubbing against them. Removal is sometimes recommended
especially if they get irritated and bleed easily. A seborrheic
keratosis, especially when irritated, may be difficult to distinguish
from a skin cancer.
5. Can seborrheic keratoses
be treated?
Most often seborrheic keratoses are treated by cryotherapy, or freezing.
A very cold liquid called liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth
with a spray gun to freeze it. The keratosis usually falls off within
a few weeks. Although occasionally there may be a small dark or
light spot, usually no mark remains.
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