Skip to main content

Keratosis, Seborrheic

Michael T. Partin, MD, Karl T. Clebak, FAAFP, MHA, MD and Christopher Davis, MPH, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Common benign tumor of the epidermis formed from proliferation of keratinocytes

  • Frequently appears in multiples on the head, neck, and trunk (sparing the palms and soles) of older ind...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Generally asymptomatic, but trauma or irritation of the lesion may result in pruritus, erythema, bleeding, pain, and/or crusting. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Typically begin as oval- or round-shaped...

TREATMENT

  • Treatment is typically performed for cosmetic concerns but is usually not required.

  • Removal of seborrheic keratoses may be indicated if:

    • They are aesthetically displeasing or undesirable (comm...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

After initial diagnosis, follow-up is not usually required unless 
  • Inflammation or irritation develops.

  • There is a change in appearance.

  • New seborr...

REFERENCES

1
Wollina U. Recent advances in managing and understanding seborrheic keratosis. F1000Res. 2019;8(F1000 Faculty Rev):1520.
2
Husain  Z, Ho  JK, Hantash  BM. Sign and ps...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Culbertson  GR. 532-nm diode laser treatment of seborrheic keratoses with color enhancement. Dermatol Surg.  2008; 34(4): 525– 528.  [View Abstract] ...

CODES

ICD10

  • L82.1 Other seborrheic keratosis

  • L82.0 Inflamed seborrheic keratosis

SNOMED

  • 398838000 senile hyperkeratosis (disorder)

  • 442348004 Inflamed seborrheic keratosis (disorder)

  • 446352002 Seborrheic ker...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Seborrheic keratoses are one of the most common benign tumors of the epidermis, and frequency increases with age.

  • While seborrheic keratoses do not need to be removed, there are many op...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×