Seborrheic Keratosis in Pregnancy: What to Know

Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous, surface-level growth that may look waxy, rough, scaly, or stuck on. Pregnancy can bring many skin changes, making it harder to tell whether a spot is an existing lesion or something new. Hormonal changes do not make every changing lesion a seborrheic keratosis, so an unusual growth should be examined.

If the lesion is typical and not uncomfortable, a clinician may suggest watching it during pregnancy. A procedure can be considered when it repeatedly bleeds, becomes inflamed, catches on clothing, or cannot be diagnosed confidently from appearance alone.

Tell your dermatologist and maternity clinician about the lesion, how quickly it changed, and all medicines or skin products you use. Do not apply home acids, wart treatments, or freezing products without professional advice. The lesion’s site, symptoms, and diagnostic certainty guide the plan.

When removal is appropriate, the clinician may discuss cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, or electrosurgery. Ask why a particular method fits your situation and how the wound will be cared for. If treatment is deferred, take a clear photograph for comparison and report meaningful changes rather than repeatedly handling the spot.

Arrange prompt review for rapid enlargement, spontaneous bleeding, persistent pain, an ulcerated surface, or a new irregular colour pattern. After a procedure, contact the clinic for spreading redness, heat, pus, fever, or worsening pain. Mention any concern about a medicine or dressing to your maternity care team.

Ask whether the lesion needs assessment now, whether observation is reasonable until after delivery, which treatment options fit pregnancy, what medicines or anaesthetic products are planned, and how to recognise abnormal healing.