Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal is one of the procedures we most frequently carry out at our clinics. To find out more about them and how they are removed, we joined our Medical Director Mr David Watt in the Minor Ops Suite at our Leeds-Bradford clinic. Read on, or scroll to watch videos of the procedure and our patient’s feedback after her treatment.
What are Seborrhoeic Keratoses?
A Seborrhoeic Keratosis (or Seborrhoeic Wart) is a very common skin lesion. They are benign, harmless growths, and their colour can vary from pink or light brown to almost black. They are benign, but they can be itchy and unsightly.
What causes Seborrhoeic Keratoses?
Seborrhoeic Keratoses are benign warty growths that appear anywhere on the skin. They occur due to the build-up of ordinary skin cells on the surface of the skin. They most commonly appear after the age of 40, however younger patients can develop them too.
Statistics of developing Seborrhoeic Keratoses
Research shows that over 50% of men, and 30% of women in the UK will have at least one Seborrhoeic Keratosis during their lifetime. It is worth noting that although these skin lesions start small, they tend to grow larger and spread further with age.
Seborrhoeic Keratoses affect around 30% of adults over 40, and 75% of adults over 70.
At Skin Surgery Clinic we generally recommend the removal of Seborrhoeic Keratoses by Laser. Watch this quick and effective procedure here.
Signs and Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Keratoses
Seborrhoeic Keratoses are benign lesions, but they can be uncomfortable and unsightly, especially when occurring on the face. They can itch, bleed, become inflamed, and catch on clothing causing pain and irritation.
At first, Seborrhoeic Keratoses appear small and flat, but left untreated they increase in size, becoming raised and darker in colour; much like a scab or a wart, appearing like they have been stuck onto the surface of the skin.
How Seborrhoeic Keratoses are diagnosed?
Doctors or Nurses trained in assessing skin conditions can quickly diagnose Seborrhoeic Keratoses by their characteristic appearance. At Skin Surgery Clinic we offer free online consultations with our Surgical Nurses. Using the information and photographs you send, we can assess the area of concern, decide whether it is suitable for treatment, and recommend which type of treatment would be most beneficial. Our team of Doctors, Surgeons and Nurses work closely together in order assess the lesion further if needed.
How are Seborrhoeic Keratoses removed?
At Skin Surgery Clinic there are two methods of Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal: laser treatment or surgical excision.
Laser treatment is recommended as it is a quick, clean and minimally invasive procedure leaving very little scarring. However, some Seborrheic Keratosis will require surgical excision to ensure the lesion is completely removed.
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