Definition

Seborrheic keratosis is the presence of a benign (noncancerous) raised growth on the skin. Seborrheic means greasy (although often the growth is not greasy) and keratosis means thickening of skin. The growths arise from the top layer of skin and can have a ‘stuck-on’ look. These growths may look like warts but don’t extend deep into the skin or contain the viruses that cause warts.

Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, do not spread, and will never turn into cancerous tumors. Therefore, they do not threaten your health, but can be irritating or cosmetically displeasing.

Skin Section with Seborrheic Keratosis

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