Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous skin growth that has its root cause in cells of the skin known as keratinocytes. The cells make up approximately 95% of the outer layer of the skin. Seborrheic keratosis is more prevalent among older people. A seborrheic keratosis growth may be significantly different from others. The shapes of the growth vary considerably. The growths may vary in color and may also be flat or slightly raised depending on the stage of development. The texture of seborrheic keratosis growths may also vary considerably.
Most people may decide to go to a professional dermatologist to get their condition treated medically. There are several methods used by doctors to treat seborrheic keratosis. The first method is known as cryosurgery. This method involves application of liquid nitrogen on the keratotic growth. This process freezes the cells affected by the condition and causes them to eventually fall off as a scab. The other method is laser removal which involves using a high intensity light beam to vaporize the affected cells.
It is also possible to treat the condition right from home. The most popular method is use of hydrogen peroxide. A 23% to 80% solution of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the affected area for two times a day. The procedure should be repeated several times a week to get the best results. Immediately the solution is applied on the keratotic growth, a person gets a burning sensation, which is normal. The area turns white then gradually turns pink and eventually forms a scab after several treatments. After the application of hydrogen peroxide is complete and the area has dried up, some Vaseline or moisturizing lotion should be applied on the area. A person should repeat this process weekly until the spots fade completely.
The use of glycolic acid solution is also a very popular method of treating seborrheic keratosis at home. A 30% solution of glycolic acid should be applied directly on the keratotic growth. The solution should then be left to stand for as long as possible, and it is recommended that it be left overnight. The acid solution should be applied at least twice every day for a period of a few weeks. Eventually the keratotic growths reduce gradually until they disappear completely, giving way to clear, healthy skin.
The biggest part of treating seborrheic keratosis should be preventing the causative factors. Seborrheic keratosis is known to be most prevalent among people that have a significant amount of exposure to the sun. The actual cause of the condition is however still unknown.
