What Is the First Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses are usually rough, waxy, or stuck-on growths that can appear on the trunk, face, or limbs. They are commonly harmless and do not require removal unless they catch on clothing, itch, bleed after rubbing, or are cosmetically unwanted. Cryotherapy applies cold to the selected lesion; a blister or crust may form before the area heals.

A clinician should inspect a changing or unusual growth before removal. Curettage and cautery or electrosurgery may be considered when the lesion is thick, raised, or in a location where another technique is more appropriate.

Have the growth examined before using any over-the-counter wart product or attempting removal at home. Ask how to protect the treated area from friction, whether a dressing is needed, and what colour change may occur during healing. Do not pick a forming crust. Tell the clinician about a history of raised scars or pigment changes.

Read about [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/), and [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/).

Seek assessment promptly if a growth changes quickly, bleeds without rubbing, becomes persistently sore, develops uneven colour, or looks unlike your other lesions. After removal, contact the clinic for increasing pain, pus, spreading redness, or bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure.

Ask whether the growth has typical features, why cryotherapy suits it, what healing should look like, and whether another removal method would reduce irritation or marking.