Seborrheic Keratosis in Older Adults: Meaning and Care

Seborrheic keratoses are often waxy, rough, scaly, or stuck-on-looking growths. They can be light or dark and may occur on the trunk, face, scalp, or limbs. They are not contagious and are not the same as skin cancer. Several can develop over time, which can make it harder to judge whether a particular spot has changed.

Age alone does not diagnose a lesion. A clinician considers its shape, surface, colour, and history. When a spot looks atypical, is repeatedly irritated, or cannot be confidently identified, examination may include a closer inspection or removal for clarification.

A typical lesion that causes no trouble may be monitored. Removal may be discussed when it catches on clothing, itches, becomes inflamed, or interferes with daily care. Keep a simple record of new or changing spots, and ask a trusted person to help check areas that are difficult to see.

Do not shave, burn, or pick the growth. Mention blood-thinning medicines, fragile skin, poor wound healing, diabetes, and a history of raised scars before any procedure. These details help the clinician plan treatment and aftercare.

Arrange a dermatology review for rapid growth, repeated bleeding, persistent soreness, ulceration, a striking change in colour, or a border that becomes uneven. After removal, seek care for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or pain that is getting worse.

Ask whether the lesion has typical features, whether observation is reasonable, what change should prompt another visit, and how your regular medicines or skin fragility affect any removal plan.