Different types of seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths that may look waxy, scaly or stuck onto the skin. Some are barely raised and smooth; others are thick, rough and deeply textured. Colour can range from pale tan to brown, grey or nearly black. They may occur on the trunk, face, neck or limbs, and several can appear together.

A clinician may recognise a typical lesion by examining its surface and pigment. A changing dark mark, a growth that bleeds or a lesion with an unusual pattern can resemble another skin condition and should not be self-diagnosed from a photograph alone.

Stable, asymptomatic lesions often need no treatment. Arrange an assessment if a growth catches on clothing, becomes irritated, or affects appearance. Depending on its thickness, site and diagnosis, removal may involve freezing with cryotherapy, scraping with curettage and cautery, or controlled heat with electrosurgery. Do not cut, burn or apply unlabelled wart products to a lesion, especially on the face.

Removal can leave temporary crusting or a colour change, so ask how the area will heal and whether a sample should be examined. Discuss [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) and [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/) with your clinician.

Book a dermatology review if a lesion grows quickly, changes colour or shape, develops repeated bleeding, forms an ulcer, becomes persistently painful or differs noticeably from your other growths. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, pus or fever after removal. Urgent review is appropriate for a rapidly changing lesion when melanoma or another serious diagnosis needs to be excluded.

Does this growth have the typical appearance of seborrheic keratosis? Should it be photographed or sampled before removal? Which method fits its thickness and location? What wound care and pigment changes should I expect during healing?