Irritated seborrheic keratosis

Irritated Seborrheic Keratosis is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of warty, benign growths on the skin. These growths, known as seborrheic keratoses, typically develop in middle-aged and older adults, although they can occur at any age. The term "irritated" refers to a subtype of seborrheic keratosis that becomes inflamed or symptomatic, often due to friction, trauma, or secondary infection.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not well understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development. These include genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and age. Irritation of seborrheic keratoses can occur due to rubbing against clothing or jewelry, scratching, or other forms of physical trauma.

Symptoms

Irritated seborrheic keratoses are characterized by one or more of the following features:

• Raised, often rough lesions that may appear waxy or wart-like
• Color ranging from light tan to black
• Itching or irritation, especially when rubbed or scratched
• Inflammation around the lesions, leading to redness and sometimes pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of irritated seborrheic keratosis is primarily based on the clinical appearance of the lesions. A dermatologist may perform a skin examination and, in some cases, may recommend a skin biopsy to rule out malignancy or other skin conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of irritated seborrheic keratosis is not always necessary, as these lesions are benign. However, if a lesion becomes bothersome due to itching, irritation, or cosmetic concerns, treatment options include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Electrosurgery (burning)
• Curettage (scraping)
• Laser therapy

Prevention

While there is no known way to prevent seborrheic keratoses from forming, minimizing skin irritation and avoiding unnecessary trauma to existing lesions can help prevent them from becoming irritated.

Complications

Although irritated seborrheic keratoses are benign, they can sometimes be mistaken for skin cancer, leading to unnecessary worry or treatment. Additionally, excessive scratching or irritation can lead to secondary infection or scarring.

See Also

• Skin lesion
• Dermatology
• Skin biopsy
• Cryotherapy