Quick answer. Seborrhoeic keratosis is a very common, harmless skin growth that looks warty, waxy and ‘stuck on’, appearing more often with age. It is benign, but any growth that changes, becomes irregular, bleeds or looks different from your others should be checked by a doctor to rule out skin cancer.
Dealing with a stubborn rash, acne or a changing mole?
Message our care team on WhatsApp. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find the right dermatologist — free, with no obligation.
Chat with our care team on WhatsAppNot sure who to see? Find the right specialist →
In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.
Seborrhoeic keratosis is one of the most common non-cancerous skin growths, especially in adults over 40. These waxy, warty, slightly raised brown or black spots can look as though they have been stuck onto the skin, and people often worry they are something sinister. The reassuring news is that a typical seborrhoeic keratosis is completely benign and does not turn into cancer.
That said, because some skin cancers, including melanoma, can resemble a harmless growth, it is important to know the warning signs. This guide explains what seborrhoeic keratosis is, why it appears, how a doctor tells it apart from something more serious, and when removal might be considered. If a spot is changing, irregular or bleeding, that is your cue to get it checked rather than assume it is harmless.
At a glance
| Feature | Typical seborrhoeic keratosis | Get it checked if |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Waxy, warty, 'stuck-on' look | Smooth shiny, ulcerated or crusting unusually |
| Colour | Even tan, brown or black | Multiple or uneven colours within one spot |
| Border | Well-defined, regular edge | Irregular, blurred or notched edge |
| Change over time | Stable, slow to appear | Growing quickly, changing shape or size |
| Symptoms | Usually painless (can itch mildly) | Bleeding, persistent itch, or not healing |
What is seborrhoeic keratosis?
A seborrhoeic keratosis is a harmless overgrowth of skin cells that forms a raised, waxy or warty spot on the surface of the skin. They are sometimes called ‘seborrhoeic warts’ or ‘senile warts’, though they are not caused by a virus like true warts. They are extremely common and tend to increase in number with age.
Typical seborrhoeic keratoses look as if they have been pasted or stuck onto the skin, with a slightly greasy, scaly surface. They range from pale tan to dark brown or almost black, and can appear singly or in clusters, often on the chest, back, shoulders, face and scalp. They are benign and do not spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms & signs
Seborrhoeic keratoses are usually easy to recognise once you know the pattern. Common features include:
- A round or oval, slightly raised growth with a ‘stuck-on’ appearance.
- A waxy, warty or scaly surface.
- Colours ranging from light tan to brown or black.
- Sizes from a few millimetres to a couple of centimetres.
- Usually painless, though they can occasionally itch or catch on clothing and jewellery.
They tend to develop gradually and then stay stable. New ones can appear over the years. While they are harmless, a sudden crop of many of them, or one that looks different from the rest, is worth showing to a doctor.
Causes & risk factors
The exact cause is not fully known, but seborrhoeic keratoses are linked to natural skin ageing and genetic tendency. Factors associated with them include:
- Increasing age – they become much more common from middle age onwards.
- Family history – they often run in families.
- Sun-exposed skin in some people, though they also appear on covered areas.
Importantly, seborrhoeic keratoses are not contagious, are not caused by poor hygiene, and are not a sign of internal disease in the vast majority of people. They are simply a common part of how skin changes with age.
How it's diagnosed
A doctor or dermatologist can usually diagnose a seborrhoeic keratosis just by looking at it, often with the aid of a dermoscope (a special magnifying tool with a light) that reveals features typical of these benign growths. This examination is also the key safeguard against missing something more serious.
If there is any doubt – for example, if a growth has irregular features, unusual colours or has been changing – the doctor may take a small sample (biopsy) and send it to a laboratory to confirm it is benign and exclude skin cancer such as melanoma. Never feel you are wasting a doctor’s time by asking for a spot to be checked; that is exactly what the assessment is for.
Treatment options
Because seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless, treatment is usually not medically necessary and is considered cosmetic, or done when a growth is catching, bleeding from friction, or causing irritation. Options a dermatologist may use include:
- Cryotherapy – freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen.
- Curettage – scraping the growth off after numbing the skin.
- Electrocautery – burning off the growth with a fine electrical current.
- Laser treatment in selected cases.
As removal is often cosmetic, it may not be subsidised, and there can be a small risk of a mark or slight change in skin colour afterwards. If a growth is being removed mainly because its appearance is uncertain, the doctor may send it for testing to confirm it was benign.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
Seborrhoeic keratoses are benign, but it is important to get any new or changing skin spot assessed, because some skin cancers can look similar. See a doctor promptly if a growth changes in size, shape or colour, develops an irregular or uneven border, bleeds, itches persistently, fails to heal, or simply looks different from your other spots. When in doubt, get it checked – it is far better to have a harmless spot confirmed than to overlook a melanoma.
For diagnosis, reassurance or removal, the most relevant specialist is a dermatologist, who can examine the growth, use dermoscopy and arrange a biopsy if needed. You can find one through our directory of dermatologists in Singapore. A GP can also do an initial assessment and refer you on if anything looks uncertain.
Related guides
- Best Dermatology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- dermatology clinics directory
- PTSD
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Pityriasis rosea
- Impetigo
- Febrile seizures
Sources
- NHS – Seborrhoeic keratoses (skin warts)
- Mayo Clinic – Seborrheic keratosis
- American Academy of Dermatology – Seborrheic keratoses
- HealthHub Singapore – Skin Cancer
Part of our Skin health guides · Browse all health topics