Overview
Name
Seborrheic Keratoses
Type
Other Skin Conditions
Seborrheic keratoses (plural) are benign (not cancerous) lesions that often develop in middle age. Because they are formed from keratin (fingernail-type protein), they tend to be rough to the touch. They are usually raised with a flat surface (plateau-shaped), and generally have sharply defined borders. Sometimes they are described as having a “stuck on” or “pasted on” appearance, meaning that it looks as if these lesions were placed on the skin surface. Some individuals will develop a solitary seborrheic keratosis (singular), while others may develop scores or even hundreds. The back is one of the most common areas for these lesions to develop, but seborrheic keratoses can be seen on the face, chest, abdomen, and other areas of skin. They should not be confused with actinic (solar) keratoses, which are precancerous skin lesions.
Although seborrheic keratoses can be bothersome, treatment is often considered to be a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by medical insurance plans.
All photographs and diagrams are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for diagnosis. A dermatologist should be consulted for examination and diagnosis of skin lesions.
Images
