What do you admire most about your skin? Whatever you choose to go with, flawless skin has to be one of them. However, taking care of your skin determines its appearance and health. Protecting your skin from sun exposure, among other environmental issues, comes a long way in preserving your skin’s health. The Chevy Chase seborrheic keratosis specialist offers comprehensive care for skin cancer, among other skin health issues, to enhance healthy and beautiful skin. Keep reading as we discover more about seborrheic keratosis.
What is seborrheic keratosis?
Any growth on your skin might make you worried. Typically, the first thought that comes to your mind is that it’s cancer. However, not every skin growth is cancerous.
Different skin issues appear as skin growths, including skin cancer. Hence, you may need evaluation to identify whether the growth is dangerous or not.
Seborrheic keratosis is a condition where you develop growths on your skin. The tumors are noncancerous and more common in older people. The disease is not contagious and causes no harm.
However, you may experience some itching from the growths, but they are not painful.
Seborrheic keratosis develops from keratinocyte cells. They may appear as one or several.
The tumors look like warts or candle wax drops on your skin. They develop in different colors, including white, black and brown. Mostly they are brown.
Where does seborrheic keratosis form?
Seborrheic keratosis can grow in any part of your skin, apart from your feet soles and hand palms. You are likely to notice them in the following parts.
· Neck
· Face
· Back
· Chest
· Scalp
· Stomach
The growths vary in size, ranging from small to more considerable.
What causes seborrheic keratosis?
It’s uncertain what causes seborrheic keratosis; however, you are likely to develop them if you have a family history. Genetics contributes to their occurrence.
Sun exposure affects where the growth forms. But, you may also have seborrheic keratosis without sun exposure to your skin.
Though it’s not clear why some people get seborrheic keratosis while others don’t, it’s evident the condition is common in older adults.
When to see a doctor about seborrheic keratosis?
It’s advisable to get in touch with Ali Hendi, MD, if you notice several skin growths within a limited period. Your provider carries out an extensive diagnosis to determine whether it’s cancer.
You may also need to contact your provider if you notice unusual changes on your skin, such as rapid growths or bleeding sores that won’t heal.
You may experience skin irritation when growth comes in contact with your skin. Your provider works to examine the growth and provide treatments to eliminate them.
What is your treatment for seborrheic keratosis?
Based on your evaluation results, whether the growths are cancerous or not, your provider designs a customized treatment for you.
One of the treatment options includes removing the growths through freezing or shaving. Your provider examines the removed tissue to confirm all the cancerous tissue is out.
Skin growths may mean a lot of things, including skin cancer. However, not all growths are cancerous. A thorough evaluation to confirm your growth is necessary. Contact Ali Hendi, MD, to schedule your consultation.
