Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis are common skin growths which are non-cancerous in nature. They can appear anywhere on the skin and their numbers vary from individual to individual. Having a small number of keratosis is more common and such growths are characterized by small and rough bumps which later grow and develop thick and warty surfaces. The colour of these bumps are usually brown but may also appear as light tan or black. Some seborrheic keratosis measure about half or less an inch while some appear to be bigger than usual. It is ideal to go for proper diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis as the growth of the keratosis may resemble some other forms of keratosis infections.
Seborrheic Keratosis { better known as SK} can be raised or flat in nature and with the surface of the infection appearing so smooth. The waxy pasted-on-the-skin appearance of the SK infection distinguished it from other keratosis and skin infections. Though the causes of this infection remains relatively unknown , however researchers have found several clues that may lead to this. It is believed that sun exposure can play a role in causing this infection , though it is an infection that affects both exposed and non exposed skin . The infection has also been noticed in some pregnant women. Though, Seborrheic keratosis can multiply from one part of the body to the other , however it is not contagious in nature.
Anyone can be infected with the SK infection however it is an infection that is more prevalent among people within the middle age group. The face, neck and scalp of the body are usually pre-disposed to SK but they do not grow on the palm or soles of the feet. Children rarely develop the infection and it is an infection that grows quickly, turning black and becoming itchy. Treatment of this infection is often recommended especially when its growth can be easily irritated by clothes or wearing jewelries.
Cryosurgery and electro-surgery are the commonest ways of treating Seborrheic keratosis. Cryosurgery techniques involve the spraying of extremely cold liquid Nitrogen to the growing tissues and in so doing , the growth of the infection is frozen and it will naturally fall off after few days. A permanent white spot is one of the side effects of using this therapy, however the scar left after treatment fades with time. Electro-surgery involves the use of electrical sparks to cut off the growing tissues.
Keratosis Further Reading: