Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses, (also called seborrheic warts), are among the most common skin disorders in older adults. Their cause or causes are unknown. They usually appear on the head, neck, or trunk and can range in size from 0.2 cm to 3 cm (a little over an inch). They are well defined and appear to be pasted onto the skin, but their appearance can vary widely:
- They can be smooth with tiny, round, pearl-like formations embedded in them.
- They can be rough and warty.
- They can be brown or black.
Seborrheic keratoses sometimes look like melanoma, since they can have an irregular border, but they are always benign. A dermatologist can tell the difference between them, although experts warn that melanomas may "hide" among these benign lesions and go unnoticed without close inspection. In general, seborrheic keratoses have a uniform appearance while melanomas often have a smooth surface that varies in height, color density, and shading. In some cases, keratoses may cause itching or irritation. They can be easily removed with surgery or freezing. Vitamin D3 ointment is also showing promise in clinical trials.
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