Seborrheic keratosis is most commonly experienced by older adults. However, the way that this condition appears can change amongst different populations. For example, those with fair skin and family histories of seborrheic keratosis are more likely to develop this condition within their lifetime. If you fall into this category, you may experience growths that appear across your body.
People of color also experience seborrheic keratosis, though they are more likely to notice smaller seborrheic keratoses appearing around their eyes. Pregnant women and individuals that take medication to replace estrogen are also likely to develop this condition.
While some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop seborrheic keratosis, the majority of people will develop these growths as a result of aging. In fact, alternative names for these growths include “senile warts” and “barnacles of aging” because older men and women are likely to develop multiple seborrheic keratoses.
Specific causes of seborrheic keratoses are unclear, aside from maturity, as people who are exposed to the sun will still develop these growths on areas of skin that were typically covered.
During the course of your life, chances are that you’ll develop one type of skin growth or another. While it is important to keep an eye on all current skin growths and have new growths examined by a dermatologist, the majority of these conditions are benign.
Skin tags are benign growths that are skin-colored or brown in color. Most commonly, skin tags appear on the neck, armpit, or groin and it is believed that they develop as a result of friction over time. People with diabetes and who are overweight are also more likely to develop skin tags.
Moles are also considered benign skin growths, though they should be taken seriously and examined by a dermatologist because they can become cancerous, unlike seborrheic keratoses and skin tags.
While medical intervention is not necessary, many people prefer to have skin tags removed for aesthetic purposes.
Thankfully, removing skin tags is a straight-forward and relatively painless procedure where the tag is removed in a small surgical procedure or through freezing (cryosurgery) or burning (electrodesiccation).
Removing a benign skin growth is a fast procedure that can be done during the same appointment as the examination.
Leave your skincare to the experts. Benign skin growths are common, yet they must be examined by a professional to rule out other skin conditions that may look similar to benign growths. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.