What is a seborrhoeic wart / seborrhoeic keratosis?
Seborrhoeic warts are also known as seborrhoeic keratoses or senile warts. They are harmless growths on the skin which are very common in those over 40.
What causes a seborrhoeic wart / seborrhoeic keratosis?
They are benign growths due to a build up of ordinary skin cells. They are strongly age-related. They usually start to appear after the age of 40 years, and most elderly people will have at least a few seborrhoeic warts: some will have large numbers. They are not infectious and do not become malignant.
What do seborrhoeic warts look like?
Small flat seborrhoeic warts can often be seen in middle age, and they become more raised and larger as the years go by. Their size varies from less than one centimetre to several centimetres across. Seborrhoeic warts have a rough surface, and range in colour from a light brown to almost black. They give the impression that they are stuck onto the surface of the skin. Some look like small pigmented skin tags.
Seborrhoeic warts occur most often on the trunk but are also common on the head and neck. Their numbers vary: one person may have just one seborrhoeic wart; others have hundreds of them. Once present, they usually stay, and new ones often appear over the years.
Are seborrhoeic warts hereditary?
Seborrhoeic warts can run in families and this suggests a genetic basis for them. Many families will have a tendency to develop seborrhoiec keratoses especially on their body.
What are the symptoms of seborrhoeic warts?
Seborrhoeic warts are harmless, but can be a considerable nuisance. They can itch, become inflamed, and catch on clothing. Many people dislike the look of them, particularly when they come up on the face.
Seborrhoeic keratoses and Dermatosis papulosa nigra on the face
In certain individuals, especially those of Asian or African hertiage, seborrhoeic keratoses appear as small dark brown or black spots. They can occur over the face and neck. This is known as Dermatosis papulosa nigra.
Seborrhoeic keratoses on the trunk
Seborrhoeic keratoses can occur on the trunk especially on the back, chest and under the breasts as well as the waist line. Some people may have hundreds of lesions.
Are seborrhoeic keratoses caused by sun exposure?
Seborrhoiec keratoses are not thought to be caused directly by sun exposure. They are very common with age and can run in families.
How are seborrhoeic warts diagnosed?
Seborrhoeic keratoses can usually be diagnosed from their appearance by an experienced Doctor. If there is doubt over the diagnosis, then a biospy is required so that the seborrhoeic wart can be looked at under the microscope.
Can seborrhoeic warts be treated?
Yes, we offer seborrhoeic wart removal which is one of our most common procedures.
What can I do?
Contact us if you are worried about a pigmented spot that is changing in any way, or if you have bothersome seborrhoeic warts you would like treated.
