When is electrosurgery recommended for seborrheic keratosis?

A seborrheic keratosis is a usually harmless, surface skin growth that can look waxy, rough, or stuck on. Electrosurgery uses controlled heat to destroy or reduce the growth, sometimes followed by gentle removal of loosened tissue. It may suit a raised lesion that is repeatedly rubbed, scratched, or cosmetically distracting. A clinician should examine the growth first, especially if it is changing, because a concerning lesion can resemble a seborrheic keratosis and may need a different assessment. The choice also depends on thickness, body site, skin type, and the expected healing response.

Do not shave, freeze, burn, or cut the growth yourself. At consultation, describe any recent change, bleeding, itching, or tenderness and mention previous reactions to procedures or a history of unusual scarring. Ask whether the growth should be sampled before removal. After electrosurgery, follow the dressing and cleansing instructions, leave any crust undisturbed, and reduce sun exposure while the skin repairs. A temporary pink, brown, or lighter mark can occur, particularly after inflammation, so ask how your own skin may respond.

Arrange a prompt examination for a growth that changes quickly, becomes very dark or uneven, repeatedly bleeds, develops an open sore, or causes persistent pain. Following treatment, contact the clinic if redness spreads, pain worsens, pus appears, fever develops, or bleeding does not stop with the advised pressure. These findings need review rather than home experimentation.

Ask how confident the clinician is in the diagnosis, whether electrosurgery or another method fits the growth, whether a sample is needed, and what kind of mark may remain. Clarify dressing changes, bathing, exercise, shaving near the site, and the signs of infection or delayed healing.