What should you know about old age wart?

Seborrheic keratoses are often brown, tan, grey, or nearly black and may look as though they are sitting on top of the skin. Their surface can be smooth, waxy, or rough. They may occur on the trunk, face, scalp, or limbs, and one person may have several. They do not spread from person to person. A clinician may identify a typical growth by looking at it, but an unusual lesion can need closer examination because other skin growths can resemble it.

Do not cut, scrape, or burn the growth at home; this can cause bleeding, infection, or a lasting mark. If it catches on clothing, bleeds after rubbing, itches, or bothers you cosmetically, arrange a skin assessment. Depending on its thickness, site, and appearance, 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/). Protect nearby skin while it heals and follow the aftercare instructions provided.

Book an assessment for a growth that is new, rapidly changing, uneven in colour, persistently bleeding, crusting, painful, or difficult to distinguish from a mole. Seek prompt care if bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure. A photograph from an earlier date can help the clinician understand how the lesion has changed.

Ask whether the appearance is typical, whether removal is medically needed or mainly for comfort, which method suits the location, what temporary irritation to expect, and how a removed sample will be assessed if the diagnosis is uncertain.