Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are common noncancerous (benign) skin growths. They may appear as one growth or as a cluster of growths, most often on the chest or back and sometimes on the scalp, face, or neck.

They appear as raised skin growths that look scaly or warty. They usually look like they were stuck onto the skin. They are more common in older people.

A seborrheic keratosis can vary from pale white to brown to black. The size varies from very small to the size of a medium coin. A seborrheic keratosis is not a mole and is almost always harmless. But it's still a good idea to check your skin regularly.

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar.

A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it, burn it, or scrape it off with a tool. The doctor can also use a laser to remove the growth. Treatment usually results in normal-looking skin. But it can leave a light or dark mark or even a scar on the skin.