What Is Seborrheic Keratosis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Guide
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Laurence Bradley | September 2026
Key Points
- Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common benign skin growths in adults, particularly those over the age of 50.
- These growths are completely non-cancerous and non-contagious, but they can look alarming and are frequently mistaken for skin cancer or warts.
- Seborrheic keratoses do not require treatment, but removal is a straightforward option when they become irritated, bothersome, or a cosmetic concern.
- Treatment options at Legacy Dermatology include cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal depending on the size and location of the growth.
- Any new or changing growth on your skin should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to confirm it is benign before leaving it untreated.
You noticed a waxy, slightly raised growth on your skin that seems to have appeared out of nowhere. It looks a little like a wart, a little like a scab, and maybe a little like something that should not be there. Before you go down the internet rabbit hole and convince yourself it is something serious, there is a very good chance what you are looking at is something called seborrheic keratosis.
Seborrheic keratosis is incredibly common, completely benign, and one of the most frequently misidentified skin conditions out there. Here is everything you need to know about what it is, why it happens, and what your options are if you want it gone.
What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?
Seborrheic keratosis is a type of non-cancerous skin growth that develops from the outer layer of skin cells. The name sounds intimidating, but the condition itself is about as harmless as skin growths get. Seborrheic keratoses are not precancerous, they do not turn into skin cancer, and they are not contagious.
They are, however, extremely common. Most adults will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during their lifetime, and many people develop dozens or even hundreds over time. They tend to show up more frequently as people get older, and they often run in families, which points to a strong genetic component.
Despite being benign, seborrheic keratoses get a lot of attention from patients because they can look quite alarming. Their appearance sometimes resembles melanoma, warts, or other skin conditions that are more concerning, which is exactly why having any new or unusual growth evaluated by a dermatologist is always the right call.
What Do Seborrheic Keratoses Look Like?
One of the things that makes seborrheic keratosis tricky to self-identify is that these growths can vary quite a bit in appearance. Here are the most common characteristics to look for.
Color
Seborrheic keratoses range in color from very light tan all the way to dark brown or even black. A single growth may contain more than one shade. The variation in color is one of the main reasons they are sometimes mistaken for melanoma, which is why professional evaluation of any dark or multi-colored growth is so important. You can learn more about the warning signs that distinguish benign growths from skin cancer on the skin cancer page at Legacy Dermatology.
Texture
The surface of a seborrheic keratosis is one of its most distinctive features. These growths tend to have a waxy, stuck-on appearance, almost like someone glued a piece of slightly rough material onto the skin. Some have a warty or bumpy texture. Others are smoother but still clearly raised above the surrounding skin.
Shape and Size
Seborrheic keratoses are typically round or oval in shape. They can range from very small, just a few millimeters across, all the way to several centimeters in diameter. They may start small and gradually grow larger over time.
Location
These growths can appear almost anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, chest, shoulders, back, and stomach. They rarely appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is not unusual for a person to have multiple growths scattered across different areas of the body at the same time.
What Causes Seborrheic Keratosis?
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not fully understood, but several factors are consistently linked to their development.
Age
Seborrheic keratoses become significantly more common with age. They are relatively rare in young adults and become increasingly common after age 50. Many older adults have multiple growths.
Genetics
Seborrheic keratoses tend to run in families. If one or both of your parents developed them, your likelihood of developing them is higher. There is a clear hereditary component to how frequently and how early these growths appear.
Sun Exposure
While seborrheic keratoses are not caused by sun damage in the same way that skin cancer is, sun-exposed areas of the body are among the most common locations where these growths appear. Protecting your skin with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a smart habit regardless, and it is one of the most effective things you can do to support long-term skin health overall.
Skin Irritation
Areas of skin that experience repeated friction or irritation may be more prone to developing seborrheic keratoses over time. This is one reason they sometimes cluster in areas where clothing rubs against the skin.
Is Seborrheic Keratosis the Same as a Wart?
No, and this is one of the most common points of confusion. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious. Seborrheic keratoses have no viral origin, are not caused by HPV, and cannot be spread from person to person or from one area of your own body to another through contact.
They can look similar on the surface, particularly when a seborrheic keratosis has a rougher, bumpier texture. But the underlying causes and treatments are completely different, which is one more reason a professional diagnosis matters before pursuing any removal option.
How Is Seborrheic Keratosis Diagnosed?
In most cases, a board-certified dermatologist can diagnose seborrheic keratosis through a visual examination. Dr. Bradley will look at the growth's color, texture, shape, and borders and assess it in the context of your overall skin health and history.
If any growth looks atypical or raises concern for something more serious like skin cancer or melanoma, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue from the growth and sends it to a lab for microscopic analysis to confirm exactly what it is.
This is particularly important for growths that are darkly pigmented, rapidly changing, or that have irregular borders. When in doubt, a biopsy is always the right call. Getting a confirmed diagnosis gives you peace of mind and ensures you are not leaving something more serious untreated.
A routine skin check at Legacy Dermatology is a great opportunity to have any suspicious or bothersome growths evaluated at the same time as a full-body skin exam.
Does Seborrheic Keratosis Need to Be Treated?
Not necessarily. Because seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not pose any health risk, treatment is not medically required in most cases. Many people choose to leave them alone entirely.
However, there are several situations where treatment makes a lot of sense.
The Growth Is Irritated or Itchy
Seborrheic keratoses located in areas of friction, such as along a bra line, waistband, or collar, can become chronically irritated, itchy, or even bleed. In these cases, removal is a practical solution that eliminates ongoing discomfort.
The Growth Is a Cosmetic Concern
Many people simply do not want visible growths on their face, neck, or other prominent areas. Cosmetic removal is a completely valid reason to seek treatment, and the options available at Legacy Dermatology are quick and straightforward.
The Growth Is Changing or Uncertain
Any growth that is changing in size, shape, or color should be evaluated promptly. If a growth that was thought to be a seborrheic keratosis starts behaving differently, it is worth having it looked at again. In some cases a biopsy may be recommended to rule out skin cancer before any removal is performed.
Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment Options at Legacy Dermatology
When removal is desired, Legacy Dermatology offers several effective in-office treatment options. The most appropriate choice depends on the size, location, and number of growths being treated.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for seborrheic keratosis. It involves applying liquid nitrogen directly to the growth, which freezes the tissue and causes it to fall off within a few days to two weeks. Cryotherapy is quick, effective, and requires no incision or sutures. It works particularly well for smaller, thinner growths.
After cryotherapy, the treated area may appear red or blistered for a short period before the growth detaches and the skin heals underneath. Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin at the treatment site is possible, which is worth discussing with Dr. Bradley if skin tone is a concern, particularly for patients with darker skin tones.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment is another effective option for seborrheic keratosis removal, particularly for growths on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face. The Aerolase laser at Legacy Dermatology targets the growth with precise energy that breaks down the abnormal tissue while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.
Laser therapy is particularly well suited for patients with darker skin tones because of its precision and gentleness. Dr. Bradley's specialty focus on skin of color means he selects treatment approaches that are safe and effective for all patients regardless of their skin tone. You can learn more about Dr. Bradley's background on the about us page.
Surgical Removal
For larger or more stubborn growths, surgical excision may be the most appropriate option. This involves carefully removing the growth with a surgical instrument and, if needed, sending the tissue to a lab for analysis. This approach is also used when a growth needs to be biopsied to rule out anything more serious before or during removal.
Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Skin Cancer: How to Tell the Difference
This is the question that brings a lot of patients through the door, and it is the right question to be asking. Seborrheic keratoses can look remarkably similar to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, particularly when they are darkly pigmented or have irregular coloring.
The honest answer is that you cannot reliably tell the difference on your own, and you should not try to. A dermatologist uses a combination of visual examination, dermatoscopy, and biopsy when needed to make that determination accurately.
Some general differences that dermatologists look for include the stuck-on, waxy texture of seborrheic keratoses compared to the flatter, more blended appearance of many melanomas. Seborrheic keratoses also typically have a very defined, crisp border compared to the irregular, blurry borders that can be a warning sign for melanoma. But these distinctions require a trained eye, and exceptions exist in both directions.
If you have a growth that is dark, multi-colored, has irregular borders, has changed recently, or simply does not look like anything else on your skin, get it evaluated. That is exactly what the team at Legacy Dermatology is here for. You can also review the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma on the Legacy Dermatology blog as a helpful starting reference.
Seborrheic Keratosis and Skin of Color
Seborrheic keratosis presents some unique considerations for patients with darker skin tones that deserve specific attention.
A related condition called dermatosis papulosa nigra is particularly common in people with darker skin tones and is considered a variant of seborrheic keratosis. It appears as small, dark, smooth papules most commonly on the face and neck. While completely benign, these growths can be a significant cosmetic concern and are very effectively treated at Legacy Dermatology.
Additionally, some treatment options for seborrheic keratosis, particularly cryotherapy, carry a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin tones. This means the treated area may temporarily become darker than the surrounding skin after treatment. Dr. Bradley's expertise in skin of color means he factors in these risks when recommending treatment and selects the most appropriate approach for each patient's individual skin type and tone. You can also learn more about managing discoloration on the hyperpigmented spots page.
FAQs About Seborrheic Keratosis
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?
No. Seborrheic keratoses are completely benign and do not pose any health risk. They do not become cancerous and are not associated with any increased risk of skin cancer. However, any growth that changes or looks atypical should be evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Can seborrheic keratoses come back after removal?
Removing a seborrheic keratosis does not prevent new ones from forming elsewhere. The underlying tendency to develop these growths is genetic and does not go away with treatment. However, the specific growth that is removed does not typically regrow at the same location.
Can I remove a seborrheic keratosis at home?
No. Attempting to remove a seborrheic keratosis at home is not recommended. Beyond the risk of infection and scarring, the bigger concern is that you cannot confirm on your own that what you are removing is actually a benign seborrheic keratosis and not something that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Always have a dermatologist evaluate and treat any growth.
Do seborrheic keratoses hurt?
Most seborrheic keratoses are completely painless. Some can become irritated, itchy, or tender if they are in an area of friction or if they catch on clothing or jewelry. If a growth is causing consistent discomfort, removal is a reasonable and straightforward option.
How many seborrheic keratoses can a person develop?
There is no set number. Some people develop just one or two over their lifetime. Others develop dozens or even hundreds. It is not uncommon for older adults to have numerous growths scattered across the body. Having many growths is not a cause for concern on its own, though any growth that looks different from the others or changes over time should be evaluated.
Does insurance cover seborrheic keratosis removal?
Insurance coverage depends on the reason for removal. If the growth is causing significant symptoms like bleeding, irritation, or pain, removal may be covered. Cosmetic removal is typically not covered. Legacy Dermatology can help you navigate coverage questions at your appointment.
FAQs About Legacy Dermatology
Does Legacy Dermatology treat seborrheic keratosis?
Yes. Dr. Bradley evaluates and treats seborrheic keratosis and a wide range of other benign skin growths. Visit the seborrheic keratosis page to learn more about the condition and the treatment options available.
What other skin conditions does Legacy Dermatology treat?
Legacy Dermatology offers a full range of general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology services. Browse the complete dermatology services page for everything available at the practice.
Is Legacy Dermatology accepting new patients?
Yes. Legacy Dermatology is currently welcoming new patients. Visit the new patients page to get started before your first visit.
Where is Legacy Dermatology located?
Legacy Dermatology is at 2230 Huntington Drive N, Unit C-1, Algonquin, IL 60102.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (847) 603-4146 or book online. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Not Sure What That Growth Is? Get It Checked.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what is on your skin is worth a single appointment. Whether the growth turns out to be a completely harmless seborrheic keratosis or something that needs closer attention, getting a professional evaluation is always the right move.
Dr. Bradley and the team at Legacy Dermatology are here to give you real answers and real options, whatever you are dealing with.
Call (847) 603-4146 or schedule your appointment online today.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
