Seborrheic keratoses can be unsettling when they first appear. They may look sudden, unfamiliar, or even concerning — especially if you’ve never had one before.
The good news is that seborrheic keratoses are very common and always benign. They have no risk of developing into skin cancer. While they don’t pose a medical risk, many people choose to have them evaluated or removed because of how they look or feel on the skin.
Benign skin growth (non-cancerous)
Head, neck, face, chest, back, shoulders
Smooth, clear skin through safe removal
What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?
Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a benign skin growth that develops on the outer layer of the skin. These growths are very common and can appear as light tan, brown, or black lesions.
How they look:
Common locations include:
Seborrheic keratoses can develop on almost any area of the body except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. One person may have a single lesion, while others develop multiple over time.
Important: Seborrheic keratoses are always benign and have no risk of developing into skin cancer.
Why Seborrheic Keratoses Develop
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis isn’t fully understood, but several factors are known to play a role.
Contributing factors include:
Aging — They tend to become more common with age and are sometimes called “wisdom spots.”
Genetics — There appears to be a genetic component that runs in families. If your parents had seborrheic keratoses, you’re more likely to develop them.
Sun exposure — May play a role in development, though SKs can appear on sun-protected areas as well.
Cumulative skin changes — The skin naturally changes over time, and SKs are part of that process for many people.
Seborrheic keratoses are not caused by poor hygiene or anything you did wrong.
Even though they are harmless, any new or changing skin growth should be evaluated by a qualified provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Do Seborrheic Keratoses Need Treatment?
There is no medical reason to treat seborrheic keratoses unless they become problematic.
Treatment may be recommended if:
Many patients choose removal because:
Wanting to remove a seborrheic keratosis for cosmetic reasons is completely valid and the most common reason patients seek treatment.
How Seborrheic Keratosis Can Affect Appearance
Seborrheic keratoses don’t cause harm, but they can still be bothersome.
Patients often mention concerns such as:
In some cases, seborrheic keratoses may appear alongside other benign skin concerns that affect overall skin texture.
These feelings are understandable, and removal is a straightforward option for those who want clearer skin.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A consultation at Lazaderm is focused on evaluation, education, and reassurance.
During your visit, your provider will:
If removal is recommended, the procedure and aftercare will be explained clearly. You’ll have time to ask questions before making any decisions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Removal of seborrheic keratosis is typically straightforward, but results can vary depending on the lesion size, location, and treatment method used.
What to expect:
Your provider will help you understand what to expect and how to care for your skin afterward.
Treatment is not medically required for seborrheic keratosis, but removal may be recommended if the growth becomes irritated, catches on clothing, or is cosmetically bothersome. A consultation allows your provider to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate options.
Laser treatment is Lornell E. Hansen II, MD’s preferred method for removing seborrheic keratoses.
Erbium Laser — This laser precisely removes the growth layer by layer with excellent control.
Why laser is often preferred:
Laser removal is particularly well-suited for seborrheic keratoses on visible areas like the face, neck, and chest.
Electrocautery uses controlled radiofrequency energy to remove seborrheic keratoses.
Ellman Surgitron Radiofrequency System — This method removes the growth with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Considerations:
Your provider will recommend this approach when it’s the best fit for your specific situation.
Cryosurgery uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy the seborrheic keratosis.
Important considerations: This method is less controlled than laser or electrocautery. It can be easy to overtreat (causing permanent skin changes or scarring) or undertreat (allowing the lesion to return).
When it may be used:
Lornell E. Hansen II, MD generally prefers laser or radiofrequency methods for more precise, predictable results
If you have a skin growth you’re unsure about, a professional evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind. At Lazaderm, consultations are designed to help you understand what you’re seeing and decide whether treatment is right for you.
