Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Seborrhoeic Keratosis is a thickening of the skin condition usually from age and a skin condition characterized by circumscribed wart like lesions that can be itchy and covered with a greasy crust. Seborrheic keratoses have a variety of clinical appearances, and they develop from the proliferation of epidermal cells. Seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin growth that is very common among people over 40 years of age.
Seborrheic keratoses are the most common benign tumor in older individuals. The growths resemble flattened or raised warts, but have no viral origins and may exhibit a variety of colors, from pink or yellow through brown and black. Because only the top layers of the epidermis are involved, seborrheic keratoses are often described as having a "pasted-on" appearance.
Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses have a varying degree of pigmentation. Seborrheic keratosis symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Seborrheic keratosis signs may refer to those Symptoms only noticable by a doctor:
- Small raised warts
- Yellow-brown warts
- Papules
- Yellow-brown papules
- Areas of excessive skin pigmentation
- Warts that produce sebum
Causes of Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Some cases are inherited through an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. A actual cause of seborrheic keratoses is not known. Sunlight seems to play a role in the development of some seborrheic keratoses. Evidence indicates that at least some seborrheic keratoses have a clonal nature.
Treatment of Seborrhoeic Keratosis
- Ammonium lactate and alpha hydroxy acids have been reported to reduce the height of seborrheic keratoses. Superficial lesions can be treated by carefully applying pure trichloroacetic acid and repeating if the full thickness is not removed on the first treatment
- The shave biopsy provides histologic material for accurate diagnosis and removes the lesion in a cosmetically acceptable manner at the same time. After a shave biopsy is obtained, a curette can be employed to smooth and remove any remaining keratotic material. Generally, this is the author's preferred method of removal.
- If a biopsy is not desired, light electrodesiccation facilitates a sharp curettage.
- Freezing seborrheic keratoses with dry ice or liquid nitrogen avoids the need for surgical excision; however, complications of freezing include pigmentary changes and on occasion, scarring.
- Curettage in conjunction with liquid nitrogen generally gives better results than liquid nitrogen alone.
- Application of 70% glycolic acid for 3-5 minutes prior to curetting also is effective.
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