Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a growth from the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. An SK is a raised, tan- or brown-colored, wartlike growth that appears on the face or trunk, and looks as if it has been stuck onto the skin. Sometimes it can appear scaly and crusty, and it can peel. An SK often becomes itchy, irritated, and inflamed by clothing. It usually appears as multiple growths and increases in number with age. An SK is not a precancerous growth and does not evolve into skin cancer. SKs are most commonly treated by cryosurgery (removal by freezing) and should not be surgically removed. [Figure 1]