Kulsum International Hospital

Seborrheic Keratosis

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Symptoms
  3. Causes and risk factors
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. When to see a doctor

Overview

Seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous or contagious. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if irritated.

Symptoms

  • Brown, black or skin-coloured growths
  • A waxy, stuck-on appearance
  • Itching or irritation in some cases

Causes and risk factors

They are more common with age and may run in families.

Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses them by examining the skin. A biopsy may be done if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Treatment

Treatment is not needed. Options include freezing, scraping or laser.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if a growth changes quickly, bleeds or looks different from others, to rule out skin cancer.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that diagnose and treat Seborrheic Keratosis.

Dr. Nasim Akhtar
Infectious Diseases

Dr. Nasim Akhtar

Consultant Infectious Diseases Specialist

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