What should you know about a single seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses can be tan, brown, or nearly black and may have a smooth, waxy, or rough surface. They can catch on clothing or become irritated. Appearance alone is not enough when a lesion is new, asymmetric, very dark, inflamed, or changing; a dermatologist may examine it closely and decide whether testing is needed to exclude another lesion.

Leave an uncomplicated, confirmed lesion alone if it is not bothersome. Avoid cutting, burning, scraping, or using unprescribed wart products at home. If it catches, bleeds after rubbing, or is cosmetically troubling, a dermatologist can discuss cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, or electrosurgery. Choice depends on the lesion, location, skin tone, and the possibility of temporary marks.

Book an assessment for a lesion that changes in size, shape, colour, surface, or symptoms, or one that bleeds without clear friction. Seek prompt review for persistent pain, ulceration, rapid growth, or a new dark lesion. Do not arrange cosmetic removal before an uncertain growth has been checked.

Does this have the typical appearance of seborrheic keratosis? Is testing needed before removal? Which technique suits its site and texture, and what temporary colour or texture change might follow?