Seborrheic keratosis, or “SK,” is a non-cancerous skin growth that can appear as brown, black, or tan “waxy” patches or bumps on your skin. These growths typically have a gradual onset and most often occur on your back, face, neck, and chest. While these keratoses typically pose no risk to your health, they can make you feel self-conscious and even cause discomfort.
When you want to get rid of pesky growths on your skin, schedule a consultation for seborrheic keratosis treatments in Troy. Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can review our non-surgical treatment options to determine the best plan to alleviate your physical discomfort, irritation, and self-consciousness.
While we do not know the exact cause of seborrheic keratosis, researchers have pinpointed several contributing factors. People typically begin to develop seborrheic keratoses with age, particularly as they enter the middle years of their life. Because these growths tend to run in families, it is likely there is a strong genetic component.
Prolonged and cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is thought to be a contributing factor in the development of seborrheic keratosis. Hormonal changes, like those in pregnancy or as a result of hormone replacement therapy, can also trigger the growth of seborrheic keratoses.
The friction from rubbing your skin in specific areas, such as clothing or jewelry, may contribute to the development of keratoses. If an injectable treatment, such as Xeomin, is performed incorrectly, the irritation may cause these growths to occur. If you have a growth that you believe may be a seborrheic keratosis or if you are concerned about changes in any skin growth, you should consult with a Troy plastic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Treatments for seborrheic keratosis are usually considered elective and based on your personal preference. Different kinds of treatments for seborrheic keratosis include:
Cryotherapy involves freezing the seborrheic keratoses with liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue will eventually blister and fall off.
Curettage involves scraping off the seborrheic keratosis with a special instrument called a curette. After scraping, the area may be cauterized or treated with cryotherapy.
With electrocautery, the growth is numbed with a local anesthetic before being burned off with an electric current.
Laser therapy can be used to remove the lesions by vaporizing the growth. Laser therapy is extremely precise and works well for keratoses on your face.
Some topical treatments may help reduce the appearance of seborrheic keratoses over time. Treatments may include over-the-counter or prescription products that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. Our Troy plastic surgeon can speak with you about your skin concerns, assess whether you have seborrheic keratosis, and help you determine your best treatment options.
When you are experiencing the characteristic black, brown, or gray growths on your skin, you may have seborrheic keratosis. When these markings create physical discomfort or affect your self-esteem, speak with our knowledgeable plastic surgeon about possible next steps to help you look and feel better.
Dr. DeLuca-Pytell can safely and efficiently remove these growths with seborrheic keratosis treatments in Troy. For more information, call our office today.
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