Seborreic Keratosis Treatment

Treatment may be indicated for symptomatic lesions. Lesions may be removed when they are symptomatic and this usually occurs when they are located in an area of friction and frequent trauma. Removal is often requested for cosmetic reasons. Patients should be informed that cosmetic removal of seborrheic keratoses is not usually covered by medical insurance. Cryosurgery is effective for flat to minimally raised lesions. Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation are possible side effects of cryotherapy. Thicker lesions are best removed by cautery and curettage under local anesthesia.

Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation are possible side effects of cryotherapy or any method of removal. Residual scarring, if any, is minimal. Applying gentle pressure to the surrounding skin often provides enough tension to allow for easy curettage of lesions.