Treatment:

Treatment is usually not required unless the growths become irritated or are cosmetically displeasing.

If treatment is needed, growths may be surgically removed or removed by cryotherapy (freezing).

Expectations (prognosis):

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign and usually painless condition. Removal of the growths is simple and usually does not result in scars. However, growths on the trunk often leave lighter-colored skin. Particular growths usually do not recur after removal, but people who are prone to this condition may develop more in the future.

Complications:

• Psychological distress from change in appearance
• Irritation, discomfort of growths
• Misdiagnosis (malignant melanoma may be difficult to differentiate in some cases)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of seborrheic keratosis.

Also call if new symptoms develop, including change in the appearance of the skin growth or development of other lesions.