How effective is electrosurgery for seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses are often waxy, rough or stuck-on growths. Electrosurgery uses controlled heat to destroy or reduce a selected lesion and may be paired with another removal technique. It can help when a growth catches on clothing, feels irritated or is cosmetically bothersome.

A clinician should examine an uncertain or changing growth before treatment, because some skin cancers can resemble a seborrheic keratosis. Removing one lesion does not stop others appearing.

Arrange assessment if a growth is new, changing, bleeding, persistently itchy or different from nearby lesions. Tell the clinician about previous scars, colour changes after procedures and medicines affecting healing.

Follow wound-care instructions, keep the area clean and do not scratch or pull away a crust. Limit strong sun exposure while the skin heals and use recommended protection afterward.

Seek prompt advice for spreading redness, increasing warmth, worsening pain, pus, fever or bleeding that continues with gentle pressure. Have a growth reviewed if it returns, fails to heal or changes in colour, border or shape.

Ask whether the growth needs testing, why electrosurgery is chosen, whether a sample will be examined, what mark to expect and how to care for the treated skin.