Seborrhoeic Keratoses
Seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless in themselves, but they can look similar to other skin lesions, so assessment always comes first. This page explains what they are, why they appear and how the clinic approaches them.
Quick answer
Seborrhoeic keratoses are common, benign skin growths that often look raised, waxy or 'stuck on', and become more common with age. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster, Advanced Electrolysis is the preferred treatment for suitable lesions, with CryoPen also available. Every lesion is assessed before any treatment.
What are seborrhoeic keratoses?
Seborrhoeic keratoses, sometimes called seborrhoeic warts or basal cell papillomas, are common benign skin growths. They are usually raised and can look waxy, rough or slightly crusty, as if they have been stuck onto the surface of the skin. Their colour ranges from pale tan to brown or black, and they vary from very small spots to more noticeable patches. Their surface can feel slightly greasy or rough to the touch.
They often appear on the chest, back, face, neck and scalp, and many people develop several over time, from a single spot to many scattered across the back or chest. Despite sometimes being called warts, they are not contagious. People often choose treatment when a lesion catches on clothing, becomes irritated or bothers them cosmetically.
Because seborrhoeic keratoses can look similar to some other skin lesions, including skin cancers, they should never be self-diagnosed. Your practitioner will assess each lesion before treatment, and if anything is new, changing, bleeding or unusual, you will be advised to see your GP for medical review first. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist if a closer look is needed.
What causes seborrhoeic keratoses?
The exact cause of seborrhoeic keratoses is not fully understood. They are not linked to poor hygiene or skincare, and they do not spread from person to person. Although they are sometimes called seborrhoeic warts, they are not caused by the virus responsible for common warts.
Several factors are commonly associated with them:
It is common to notice more of them appearing over the years. A sudden appearance of many new lesions, or a single lesion that changes quickly, is a reason to see your GP rather than book cosmetic treatment. Seborrhoeic keratoses themselves are benign, but that reassurance only applies once a lesion has been properly identified, which is why assessment matters.
- Getting older, as they become much more common from middle age onwards
- Family history, as they can run in families
- Sun exposure, which may play a part for some people, although they also appear on skin that is usually covered
Related treatments
- Advanced ElectrolysisAdvanced electrolysis is a blemish-removal treatment that uses controlled electrical energy, delivered through a very fine probe, to treat selected superficial blemishes and small vessels. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is the preferred route for suitable skin tags, warts and other benign blemishes, once each blemish has been assessed.Find out more
CryoPenCryoPen is a precision cryotherapy device that applies controlled freezing to selected superficial skin lesions. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is offered as another option for suitable benign blemishes, such as some skin tags and warts, alongside advanced electrolysis, which is generally the first choice. Every lesion is assessed before treatment.Find out more
Advanced Electrolysis and CryoPen for seborrhoeic keratoses at a glance
| Feature | Advanced Electrolysis | CryoPen |
|---|---|---|
| Role at the clinic | Preferred route for suitable lesions | Another available option where suitable |
| What it uses | Controlled electrical energy through a very fine probe | Controlled freezing (cryotherapy) |
| Assessment before treatment | Essential, for every lesion | Essential, for every lesion |
| How the choice is made | At consultation, based on the lesion's type, size and location | At consultation, based on the lesion's type, size and location |
Frequently asked questions
The exact cause is not fully understood, but seborrhoeic keratoses become more common with age and can run in families. They are not contagious, and they are not a sign of poor skincare or hygiene.
Advanced Electrolysis is the clinic's preferred route for suitable seborrhoeic keratoses, with CryoPen also available where it suits a particular lesion better. Your practitioner will assess each lesion first and explain the options, or advise you to see your GP if medical review is needed.
This depends on how many lesions you have, their size and location, and how your skin heals. Your practitioner will give you an idea at consultation and let you know if a follow-up appointment is recommended.
Comfort varies from person to person and depends on the size and location of the lesion. Your practitioner will explain what the treatment feels like and how comfort is managed before starting.
The treated area goes through a healing process, and how it looks while it settles varies with the lesion and your skin. Your practitioner will give you aftercare advice and explain what to expect before treatment.
Treatment focuses on the lesions assessed and treated at your appointment, but new seborrhoeic keratoses can continue to appear over time, as they are linked to age and family history. Your practitioner can explain what to expect and when a review may be worthwhile.
Suitability depends on your skin, the individual lesion and your medical history rather than on skin type alone. Your practitioner will assess all of this at consultation before recommending treatment.
Current prices are listed on our prices page. The cost of your plan depends on the number, size and location of the lesions, and your practitioner will confirm this at consultation before any treatment is booked.
Seborrhoeic keratoses can look very similar to other skin lesions, including some that need medical investigation. Assessing every lesion first means only suitable benign lesions are considered for cosmetic treatment, and anything uncertain is referred to your GP. It is part of treating your skin responsibly, not a formality.
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