Seborrheic Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A typical, non-cancerous skin disorder called seborrheic keratosis is characterized by raised, scaly spots on the skin. These patches may be light tan to dark brown in color and may have a “warty” or “pasted-on” appearance.

Seborrheic Keratosis may be divided into the following types:

• Common Seborrheic Keratosis: It is the most common type of Seborrheic Keratosis and appears as brown, tan or black raised growths. It is often referred to as “stucco keratosis” due to its wart-like look.
• Inverted Follicular Keratosis: This type of Seborrheic Keratosis appears as a flesh-colored, slightly raised bump. It usually looks like a pimple and can be itchy or painful when touched.
• Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN): This type of Seborrheic Keratosis is more common in people with darker skin tones and appears as small, dark brown spots on the face, neck, chest, back or arms.
• Clonal Seborrheic Keratosis: This type of Seborrheic Keratosis is characterized by multiple lesions that are similar in size and shape and may be present for many years without changing in appearance or size.
• Inflammatory Seborrheic Keratosis: This type of Seborrheic Keratosis can be red and inflamed with a scaly surface that may itch or hurt when touched.

The causes of seborrheic keratosis are as follows:

• Genetics: It is thought that a mix of hereditary and environmental factors causes seborrheic keratosis. It has been shown that there may be a genetic component to the condition by the likelihood that it runs in families.
• Sun Exposure: One of the most frequent environmental causes of seborrheic keratosis is sun exposure. UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun may harm the skin over time and leave spots on the surface.
• Age: Often developing beyond the age of 40, seborrheic keratosis becomes more common with age.As people get older, their skin becomes more susceptible to UV damage from the sun, which can trigger the growths associated with Seborrheic Keratosis.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy or menopause may also trigger Seborrheic Keratosis growths to appear on the skin.

Seborrheic keratosis often shows up as:

• Seborrheic keratoses typically appear as small, raised bumps with a rough, scaly, or waxy texture.
• They often vary in hue from pale tan to brown or black and may be anywhere from 1 millimeter and many centimeters in size.
• While they may arise anywhere on the body and can occur as single lesions or in clusters, the face, chest, and back are where they are most often detected.
• In some cases, the lesions may become inflamed and itch or bleed.

To avoid seborrheic keratosis, one might do the following:

• Protecting your skin from sun exposure: Seborrheic Keratosis is often triggered by excessive exposure to the sun. To help prevent it, try to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours of the day (10 am to 4 pm). Wear protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and hats outdoors, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Maintaining good skin hygiene: Keeping your skin clean and free of dirt and oil is important for preventing Seborrheic Keratosis. Wash your face and body twice daily with a mild soap or cleanser, and use a moisturizer afterward to keep your skin hydrated.
• Eating a healthy diet: A well-balanced diet full of fresh produce, healthy grains, lean meats, and legumes may lower your risk of getting seborrheic keratosis.
• Avoiding certain chemicals: Certain chemicals such as tar, arsenic, coal, soot, pitch, creosote, and hydrocarbons may increase the risk of developing Seborrheic Keratosis. Avoid contact with these chemicals if possible.

Seborrheic Keratosis can be diagnosed by:

• Visual Examination: A doctor will visually examine the mole or lesion to check for signs of Seborrheic Keratosis.
• Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy involves taking a tiny sample of tissue from the afflicted region and examining it under a microscope for Seborrheic Keratosis symptoms.
• Dermoscopy: This is a non-invasive procedure used to examine the surface of the mole or lesion in greater detail. A dermoscope is used to magnify the skin and look for any suspicious signs such as dark spots or unevenness in coloration which may indicate Seborrheic Keratosis.
• Patch Test: During this test, a doctor will place patches on the skin containing various substances and then monitor any response over time to assess possible allergic reactions which could be linked to Seborrheic Keratosis.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be ordered if there are concerns that the lesion may be cancerous or caused by an infection or autoimmune disorder, although this is rare in cases of Seborrheic Keratosis.

The complications of Seborrheic Keratosis is as follows:

• Seborrheic Keratosis is a benign skin condition, so there are typically no complications associated with it.
• In rare cases, the growths may become irritated or inflamed due to friction, scratching, or other trauma to the area. In certain instances, this might result in infection as well as itchiness, redness, and swelling.
• Seborrheic keratoses may also be mistaken for other types of skin growths such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, which can lead to unnecessary medical procedures like biopsies or excisions.
• It is important to monitor any new skin growths that appear and seek medical advice if there are any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of the lesion.

For seborrheic keratosis, several natural remedies include:

• Castor oil and baking soda mixed together should be applied to the skin's afflicted regions. After letting it rest for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse it off with warm water. This is one of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for seborrheic keratosis.
• Seborrheic keratosis may be treated quite well with aloe vera gel. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area right away, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Seborrheic Keratosis may be effectively treated with neem leaves. Boil a handful of neem leaves in some water and allow it to cool down before applying it to the affected areas with a cotton ball or cloth. Before washing it off with warm water, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Turmeric powder is another ayurvedic remedy for Seborrheic Keratosis that can be used topically on the affected area of your skin. Apply a paste made of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and some warm water to the afflicted region, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water after 20 to 30 minutes.

Some foods that may help include:

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables include apples, blueberries, spinach, and broccoli.
• Fish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• For probiotics, eat yogurt and kefir-fermented meals.
• The fiber in whole grains.
• Foods that reduce inflammation, include garlic, turmeric, ginger, and green tea.
• Foods are rich in vitamin A, including kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers and oranges.

Patients of Seborrheic Keratosis should avoid these foods:

• Fried and fatty foods: Fried and fatty foods are not recommended for people with Seborrheic Keratosis as they can exacerbate the condition and cause flare-ups.
• Processed foods: Processed foods contain a wide range of ingredients that can irritate the skin and worsen Seborrheic Keratosis symptoms.
• Dairy products: Dairy products can be high in saturated fat and may also contain hormones that can further irritate the skin.
• Gluten: Some individuals have trouble digesting the protein called gluten, which is present in grains including wheat, rye, barley, and oats. It may lead to bodily inflammation, which might make the symptoms of seborrheic keratosis worse.

Treatments for Seborrheic Keratosis are the following:

• Cryosurgery: It includes freezing the lesion using liquid nitrogen before removing it.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: This involves scraping off the lesion with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette and then cauterizing (burning) the area with an electric needle.
• Topical medications: Retinoid creams or ointments can be used to reduce the size of seborrheic keratoses.
• Laser therapy: Uses focused light energy to burn off seborrheic keratoses without damaging the surrounding skin.

It is best to consult a dermatologist if you have symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis since they specialize in skin conditions.

A dermatologist will be able to diagnose you and suggest the best course of therapy for your specific situation.

Some of the recommended medicines for patients of Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Topical retinoids: These are topical medications derived from vitamin A, such as tazarotene, adapalene and tretinoin. They reduce the size of seborrheic keratoses and help to flatten them.
• Topical corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation associated with seborrheic keratoses. Examples include triamcinolone, clobetasol and hydrocortisone.
• Imiquimod: This is an immunomodulator that helps to reduce the size of seborrheic keratoses by stimulating an immune response against the growths.

Generally, if the growth is removed with cryotherapy or topical medications, recovery time can range from a few days to a few weeks.

If the growth is surgically removed, recovery may take up to several weeks.

A therapy's effects do not last forever. Therapy does not provide a permanent cure, but it does assist to control symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life.

You will be advised of these after treatment of Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Avoid any direct sunlight or UV exposure to the affected area.
• While spending time outside, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Protect the treated area from trauma, such as scratching or rubbing, which can cause irritation and damage to the skin.
• Keep the treated area clean and dry and avoid using irritants such as perfumes, deodorants, or scented soaps on it.
• After receiving therapy, wait at least two weeks before utilizing hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms.
• Contact your doctor if you experience any pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the treated area that persists beyond a few days after treatment.

Depending on the kind of therapy selected, Seborrheic Keratosis therapies in India vary in price.

• Generally, topical creams can range from 500-3,000 INR.
• Cryotherapy costs between 2,000-4,000 INR.
• The price of laser treatment might reach 10,000 INR.

Common side effects of Seborrheic Keratosis treatments:

• Creams containing chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid: Mild skin irritation, redness, and dryness.
• Cryotherapy: Blistering, scabbing, and rarely, permanent scarring.
• Laser treatments: Mild discomfort during the procedure and temporary swelling afterward.
• Electrocautery: Minor post-treatment pain and possible infection at the treated site.

If you are having any Seborrheic Keratosis side effects, see a doctor in your region right away since they might result in 'irritation, edema, infection, etc. Depending on how serious the problem is, treatment programs might take anywhere from a few months to years.