Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin condition that appears as brown, black, or tan growths on the skin. They are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but they can be unsightly and may cause discomfort if they rub against clothing or other surfaces.
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to ageing and exposure to the sun. They tend to appear in middle-aged or older individuals and are more common in people with fair skin. Due to the cause of the condition being unknown, prevention of seborrheic keratosis is difficult. However, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun and protecting the skin with clothing and sunscreen may help to reduce the risk of developing it.
In aesthetic medicine, seborrheic keratosis is typically treated for cosmetic reasons, as it can be unsightly or cause discomfort. Treatment options at Tracey Bell clinics include:
- Cryotherapy involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. This is a quick and effective treatment but may leave a small scar.
- Electrosurgery involves using an electric current to destroy the growth. This is another quick and effective treatment that may leave a small scar.
- Curettage involves scraping the growth off the skin using a special tool. This is a minimally invasive treatment but may leave a small scar.
- Laser therapy involves using a laser to destroy the growth. This is a non-invasive treatment but may require multiple sessions to be effective.
Sometimes, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm that the growth is seborrheic keratosis and not a more serious condition. A small growth sample is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
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