If you have questions about your skin Seborrheic health, call 238-2501 or 1-800-332-7156 to schedule an appointment with one of Keratoses our board certified dermatologists. Seborrheic Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are For more information visit www.billingsclinic.com/dermatology very common non-cancerous Keratoses skin growths which are found almost anywhere on the body. People usually have more than one.

SKs often start as small raised areas or dry patches. They typically thicken and can develop a rough texture. Some appear warty, others smooth and waxy. Their size is quite variable ranging from smaller than a dime to larger than a half-dollar. Many SKs are brown, but can range in color from light yellow to black. Most have a stuck-on appearance. Although it appears as if you can scratch them off, they often recur.

Billings Clinic Dermatology Center 801 North 29th Street Billings, Montana 59101 406-238-2500 or 1-800-332-7156 www.billingsclinic.com/dermatology 0611 JG Dermatology Causes Cryotherapy Seborrheic Keratoses Although the cause of SKs is unknown, they Nitrogen, in its liquid form, is extremely cold tend to run in families. This is particularly and is typically applied to the skin with a true for individuals who have many SKs or spray gun. Cotton-tipped applicators can who get them at younger ages. Sun also be used. This treatment is similar to exposure may be a contributing factor in frostbite and causes the SK to fall off in a few some people; however these growths often days. A blister may form under the skin develop in areas covered from the sun. which develops into a crust. The growth They are not caused by infection, are then crumbles off over the next few days. not contagious and are not cancerous. A bandage is usually not necessary. Sometimes the area of treated skin has a Who Gets Them spot that is either lighter or darker than the normal skin tone. Anyone and almost everyone. They are often first noticed in ages 40-60, but can occur earlier or later. Electrosurgery and Curettage Treatment This treatment requires numbing the skin SKs are not cancerous and most often do with a shot, then using an electric current to not require treatment. Sometimes it is burn the lesion. A sharp instrument (curette) difficult to tell whether a spot is an SK or a is then used to scrape off the remainder of more dangerous growth. SKs can grow the growth. This results in an open wound quickly or become dark black in color. that is bandaged. This area heals over the They may itch or bleed. These questionable next several days and typically results in a spots should be checked by your white scar. dermatologist to determine whether there is a more worrisome growth. A biopsy may Mistaken Identity be recommended in order to look at it Seborrheic keratoses can look like warts, more closely. moles and skin cancer. Your dermatologist The vast majority of SKs do not require often can distinguish these by just looking treatment and treatment may not be at the growth, but sometimes a biopsy is covered by insurance or Medicare. needed. If you have any questions about a skin lesion it is best to have it checked. If treatment is necessary, options include cryotherapy, electrosurgery and curettage. SKs often grow back with any type of treatment method.