Benign Keratosis (Seborrheic Keratoses ) - Definition, Causes, Signs and Symptoms

Definition:

Benign Keratosis is also called Seborrheic Keratoses (SK) are the most common skin lesion. It tend to be most common on sun-exposed areas in older patients. Some patients may have dozens of them, most commonly on the face, neck and trunk. They have no malignant potential. Because they are very superficial lesions, they can be removed by a variety of methods with little or no scarring.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign form of skin tumor. It commonly appears after age 40. They often appear on the back or chest but are also common on the scalp, face, arms, and legs. Seborrheic keratoses grow slowly, in groups or singly. Most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during their lifetime.

The tumors appear as wart-like growths in a variety of colors. They may appear in large numbers on the surface of the body. They are usually painless and benign, but may become irritated and itch. They may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing as a result.

Causes of Benign Keratosis (Seborrheic Keratoses ):

The important causes of benign keratosis are as:-

• Sun exposure, is the main cause of seborrheic keratosis.

• They are not contagious i.e. it is not spread from one person to another.

They are usually painless and benign, but may become irritated and itch. They may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing.

Seborrheic keratoses primarily affect people older than 30. Some women notice that they develop them during pregnancy or after taking estrogen. They are increasingly common in the later decades of life. Children seldom develop these skin growths.

Symptoms & Signs of Seborrheic Keratosis:-

The commonly occur symptoms of seborrheic keratosis are as:-

• They vary in color from white to light tan to black.

• The size of seborrheic keratosis, changes from tiny to larger than 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter.

• Seborrheic keratosis, can an be dome-shaped with tiny white or black "horns" growing from the surface.

• Seborrheic keratosis are located anywhere on body, but usually appear on the chest, torso, face, shoulders, or back.

• They may have single or multiple growths.