Seborrheic Keratoses in Columbus, OH

If you have brown, black or light-colored skin growths, you may have a skin condition known as “seborrheic keratoses.” Because these growths are similar in appearance to skin cancer, people in the Greater Columbus area rely on the expertise of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What are Seborrheic Keratoses?

Seborrheic keratoses are skin growths that most often occur in older patients. The growths are typically black, brown or lightly colored with a shiny or waxy appearance. The condition most often causes multiple growths, but it is possible to have a single growth. Seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous, but they have a similar appearance to skin cancer, so you should be evaluated by Dr. Hicks-Graham as soon as you notice one or more growths.

Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Benefits

Seborrheic keratoses do not pose any specific medical concern, so most patients have the growths removed for cosmetic reasons. Other reasons to seek treatment for seborrheic keratoses is to:

• Address the mild to moderate itching caused by the growths
• Remove a growth that is often injured or chafed

If the growths are scratched or damaged, you may be at risk for developing a skin infection.

What Areas Can Be Treated for Seborrheic Keratoses?

Seborrheic keratoses most often develop on the:

• Back
• Face
• Chest
• Shoulders

What Can I Expect From Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment?

If you choose to have the seborrheic keratoses removed, Dr. Hicks-Graham will recommend a treatment, such as:

• Laser treatment
• Cryosurgery (removal by freezing the growth)
• Electrocautery (removal by burning the growth)
• Curettage (removing the growth in thin layers with a special instrument)

Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Preparation

Removing seborrheic keratoses is a very simple procedure that requires no special preparation. Dr. Hicks-Graham will examine the skin growths during the consultation to ensure that you do not have skin cancer. She will then discuss the anticipated outcomes of removing the growths, as well as the likelihood of developing new growths. Seborrheic keratoses are age-related, so lifestyle changes will not prevent new growths.

Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Recovery

The area from which the seborrheic keratoses were removed will need to heal after the procedure. Dr. Hicks-Graham may place a dressing on the area to keep it clean and prevent infections. She may prescribe an antibiotic. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Dr. Hicks-Graham will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the progress of healing.

How Much Does Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Cost?

Because seborrheic keratoses do not pose a specific medical concern, removing the growths may be considered elective by your medical insurance. The screening of the growth for cancerous cells should be covered, though. After your consultation, our patient coordinator will explain your portion of the cost for both the screening and removal. Payment can be made by cash, check, major credit card or CareCredit® financing.

Is Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Right for Me?

Seborrheic keratoses are slow-developing, non-cancerous growths that pose no medical concern. If Dr. Hicks-Graham determines that the growths are not related to skin cancer, you may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Seborrheic Keratoses Consultation

Seborrheic keratoses look similar to skin cancer, so you should contact us to schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham. Once you know if the growths are indeed noncancerous seborrheic keratoses, she will help you make an informed decision about treatment.If you have dark or light tan slightly elevated growths on your skin, you may have seborrheic keratoses, a skin condition that normally occurs after you turn 40 years old. The growths tend to develop slowly over time and resemble skin cancer. At Downtown Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham helps people in the Greater Columbus area by giving an accurate diagnosis of seborrheic keratoses.