SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS REMOVAL

Safe and effective seborrheic keratosis removal

Seborrheic Keratosis removal is a procedure that can be carried out by our qualified and vastly experienced technicians here at Laserways.

Seborrheic Keratoses are also known as seborrheic warts and basal cell papillomas. They are benign growths caused by a build-up of keratinocyte skin cells. Seborrheic Keratoses are very common, harmless, often brown/black, growths on the skin. In the UK more than half of men and more than a third of women have at least one Seborrheic Keratosis. By the age of 40, 30% of the population are affected while by the age of 70 it increases to 75%. They are also found in younger people. The number of Seborrheic Keratoses varies from person to person.

 What is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic Keratosis is a benign, non-viral lesion that affects adults of all Fitzpatrick Skin Types. Seborrheic Keratoses are not associated with sebum and are argued to occur by result of degenerative keratinocytes. Their appearance can often look like a flat wart, however they possess a soft and velvety feel when touched.

They start to appear usually from the age of 40 years, although may appear in younger people, however, the majority of older people will have a few Seborrheic Keratoses, while some may have quite a lot. Seborrheic keratoses have a rough surface and can range in colour from light to dark brown to almost black.

Small flat Seborrheic Keratosis may become more raised and larger as the years go by. Their size can vary from less than one centimetre to several centimetres across. They can give the impression that they are attached to the surface of the skin; some may look like small, pigmented skin tags.

Seborrheic Keratosis is most commonly found on the trunk, but they can also be seen on the head and neck. Numbers may vary, and once present, they usually stay, and new ones can appear over the years.

They can affect anyone, but on darker skin, they can appear as multiple small dark brown or black bumps, especially on the face and neck and are known as dermatosis papulose nigra.

Seborrheic Keratosis is often referred to as warts, but they are not caused by the wart virus. Age is a contributory factor as a result of an overproduction of keratinocytes. They are not malignant or contagious and can be treated.

What causes Seborrheic Keratosis?

Despite their name, Seborrheic are nothing to do with sebaceous glands or viral warts. No one knows for certain what causes them. It has been suggested that exposure to sunlight and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are risk factors.
Seborrheic Keratosis can be hereditary, however some people can develop them with seemingly no reason as to why.

What are the symptoms of Seborrheic Keratoses?

This skin condition is harmless, and usually do not cause symptoms. They can sometimes itch, become inflamed, and catch on clothing. Many people dislike the look of them, particularly when they occur on their face.

What do Seborrheic Keratoses look like?

Seborrheic Keratoses have a rough surface, and range in colour from golden brown to mid brown to almost black. They can affect anyone, but on dark-skinned people, they can also appear as multiple small dark brown or black bumps, especially on the face and the neck

What can Laserways do for Seborrheic Keratoses?

Using our CryoPen, we can safely treat the affected areas. Due to the nature of the condition, multiple sessions will likely be required for full removal, however once complete the Seborrheic Keratosis is unlikely to come back. Cryotherapy for Seborrheic Keratosis is a safe and painless way of treating the lesion.

What can I expect post-treatment?

During the treatment patients may experience a sensation similar to a ballpoint pen being pushed onto the skin when the Nitrous Oxide reaches the bottom of the lesion. It is unlikely you will have any side effects but we advise every patient to contact us if they have any concerns after undergoing treatment.