What to know about seborrheic keratosis in older adults

Seborrheic keratoses, sometimes called age warts or stuck-on growths, can be tan, brown, black, or pale. Their surface may be smooth, waxy, rough, or crumbly, and they can occur on the trunk, face, scalp, or limbs. Several may appear over time. Friction from clothing or jewellery can make one itch, catch, bleed slightly, or become inflamed. Their appearance can overlap with other skin conditions, so colour alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Have a clinician inspect a new, unusual, or bothersome growth, especially if it is difficult to see on your own skin. A dermatologist may use magnification and may remove a small sample when the appearance is unclear. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the lesion is harmless, treatment may not be needed. An itchy or repeatedly irritated growth can sometimes be removed by a clinician using methods such as freezing, scraping, or another appropriate procedure. Avoid picking at it or using unlabelled home acids, which can injure surrounding skin.

Arrange prompt assessment if a growth changes quickly, develops uneven colour or a jagged outline, repeatedly bleeds without being rubbed, forms a persistent sore, or becomes markedly painful. Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness, fever, or swelling after a procedure. A clinician should assess uncertainty rather than assuming every dark or rough spot is a seborrheic keratosis.

Ask what features support the diagnosis, whether the lesion needs a biopsy, what removal method fits its location, and how to care for the area afterward. Ask what changes should trigger another review and how to monitor hard-to-see areas.