What should you know about giant seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses are common non-cancerous growths that can be tan, brown, grey, or nearly black. Their surface may be waxy, rough, or crumbly, and a large lesion can catch on clothing, jewellery, or a comb. Irritation may cause itching, crusting, or a small amount of bleeding. Colour and texture can vary, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

A dermatologist may inspect the lesion closely and decide whether a sample or removal is needed. A large growth that changes quickly, develops an irregular border, repeatedly bleeds, or looks unlike your other marks deserves assessment rather than self-treatment.

Book a dermatology review if the growth is new, changing, rubbing against something, or causing persistent itch. Avoid picking or scraping it, and protect the surface from friction. Treatment is optional for a confirmed benign lesion unless it is irritated or troublesome, but the method depends on its thickness, position, colour, and diagnosis.

A clinician may discuss freezing with [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), scraping with [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/), or heat-based [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/). Healing may involve a scab and temporary colour change.

Arrange prompt assessment for rapid enlargement, new asymmetry, marked colour variation, persistent bleeding, ulceration, or a sore that does not settle. Seek urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness, severe pain, or fever after an injury or procedure.

Ask how confident the diagnosis is, whether a sample is needed, which removal method suits the lesion, what temporary skin changes to expect, and how to protect the area while it heals.