Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Common, benign, "stuck-on" skin growths — assessed first, removed where suitable.
Seborrhoeic keratoses are very common, non-cancerous skin growths that tend to appear from middle age onwards. They can look waxy, rough or slightly raised, as if stuck onto the skin, and range from light tan to dark brown. They are harmless, but they can catch on clothing, become irritated or simply bother you. At Feonix Aesthetics in Coventry, each one is examined by a clinician first, and removal is only considered where it is appropriate.
What it is
A seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign overgrowth of the outer layer of the skin. They are sometimes called seborrhoeic warts or basal cell papillomas, although they are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. Most people develop at least one as they get older, and many have several.
They usually look like a flat or slightly raised patch with a well-defined edge and a waxy, rough or crumbly surface. Colour varies from pale to very dark, and size from a few millimetres to a couple of centimetres. They are most often found on the chest, back, face, scalp and neck.
Treatments for Seborrhoeic Keratosis
More about Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Why it happens
The exact cause is not fully understood. Age is the strongest factor — they become much more common from the forties onwards — and they tend to run in families. Sun exposure may play a part for some people, but they also appear on skin that sees little sun. They are not a sign of poor hygiene and cannot be prevented with skincare.
How we assess it at Feonix
Every lesion is examined by a clinician before anything is done. If a lesion looks atypical, is changing, bleeds, or the diagnosis is uncertain, we will not treat it — we will advise you to see your GP, who can arrange a dermatology review.
Some darker or irregular seborrhoeic keratoses can look similar to other lesions that need medical review, which is exactly why a clinician looks at each one before any treatment is discussed. A consultation is an assessment for cosmetic removal — it is not a substitute for a medical or dermatological diagnosis where one is needed.
What removal can and cannot do
Where a lesion is confirmed as suitable, it can be removed with the Fotona laser, which treats the growth layer by layer. The area then forms a small scab that heals over one to two weeks, and the skin may stay pink or slightly darker or lighter for several weeks after that.
Results vary from person to person. Healing and the final appearance of the skin depend on the lesion, its size and location, and your skin type, and we cannot promise a mark-free result. Removing a seborrhoeic keratosis does not stop new ones forming elsewhere, as they continue to appear with age.
Common questions about seborrhoeic keratosis
Are seborrhoeic keratoses dangerous?
They are benign and are usually removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons rather than medical necessity. However, some can resemble lesions that need medical review, so each one is examined before treatment. If anything looks atypical, we will not treat it and will advise you to see your GP.
Are they contagious?
No. Despite sometimes being called seborrhoeic warts, they are not caused by a virus and cannot be passed on to other people or spread to other areas of your own skin.
Can every seborrhoeic keratosis be removed with a laser?
No. Suitability depends on the lesion, its size and location, and your skin. A lesion is only treated once a clinician has confirmed it is appropriate, and we will tell you if it is not.
Will it leave a mark?
The area usually heals within one to two weeks, but some pinkness or a change in skin colour can last for several weeks, and how skin heals varies between people. We explain aftercare and realistic expectations at your consultation.
How do I start?
Book a consultation for assessment at our Coventry clinic (15 Little Park Street). The lesion is examined first and, where it is suitable, removal is discussed. Clients come to us from across the Midlands.
How we decide what’s right
Every plan starts with a consultation. We assess your suitability, discuss your goals and review your medical history before recommending anything — and we will tell you if a treatment isn’t right for you. If a prescription-only treatment may be appropriate, this will be discussed and assessed by an appropriately qualified prescriber before anything is prescribed.
£50, held as credit for 12 months against any treatment or product.
Have a keratosis assessed
Seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless but often bothersome. Book a consultation at Feonix Aesthetics — a clinician examines the lesion first and explains whether removal is suitable.