When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Seborrheic keratosis

Last reviewed: 1 Nov 2024
Last updated: 17 Aug 2021

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • lesions appear "stuck-on"
  • localization on torso or face
  • yellow or light- to dark-brown-colored lesions
  • slightly raised, flat surface lesions
  • wart-like texture
  • multiple lesions
  • painless
  • itching (prurigo)
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • round yellow-white horn pearls in the surface of lesions
Full details

Risk factors

  • age over 50 years
  • Fitzpatrick skin type I or II
  • Fitzpatrick skin type IV, V, or VI (dermatosis papulosa nigra)
  • female sex (dermatosis papulosa nigra)
  • family history
  • sun/UV exposure
  • pregnancy
Full details

Diagnostic tests

Tests to consider

  • dermoscopy
  • biopsy and histopathologic examination
  • reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

irritated or itching lesions

ONGOING

raised seborrheic keratosis

flat seborrheic keratosis

Contributors

Authors

Ralph Braun, MD

Professor

Department of Dermatology

University Hospital Zurich

Zurich

Switzerland

Disclosures

RB declares that he has no competing interests.

Isabel Kolm-Djamei, MD

Consultant Dermatologist

Department of Dermatology

University Hospital Zurich

Zurich

Switzerland

Disclosures

IKD declares that she has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Erin Warshaw, MD, MS

Associate Professor

Department of Dermatology

University of Minnesota

MN

Disclosures

EW declares that he has no competing interests.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer