Can a dermatologist remove seborrheic keratosis?

Author: Bernita Feeney  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

How do dermatologists treat seborrheic keratoses? Cryosurgery: The dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen, a very cold liquid, to the growth with a cotton swab or spray gun.

Can a dermatologist get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Freezing a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. It doesn't always work on raised, thicker growths. This method carries the risk of permanent loss of pigment, especially on Black or brown skin.

Will insurance cover removal of seborrheic keratosis?

Since these conditions don't pose a health risk, insurance plans typically do not cover their treatment. Patients opting for removal for cosmetic reasons will be responsible for the costs.

How much does it cost to remove seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis treatment in NYC typically costs between $450 to $2,000 per treatment session.

Do seborrheic keratosis grow back after removal?

Most growths that are removed don't grow back, but they may occur elsewhere. If they do grow back after treatment, a tissue sample (biopsy) is needed to make sure that the diagnosis was correct and that the growth is not cancer. Don't try to remove a seborrheic keratosis yourself.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Can I remove my seborrheic keratosis myself?

Some topical products that treat seborrheic keratosis are available without a prescription, including 0.1% tazarotene cream and alpha hydroxy acid products. A person who wishes to treat their condition at home should speak with a doctor for a recommendation.

What is the new treatment for seborrheic keratosis?

Prescription Hydrogen Peroxide.

The FDA has recently approved a topical solution of 40% hydrogen peroxide to treat seborrheic keratosis. (Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is a 1% solution.)

Is there a cream to remove seborrheic keratosis?

Topical treatments that yielded a good-to-excellent response include hydrogen peroxide, Maxacalcitol 25 µg/g, BID Tazarotene 0.1% cream, 5% potassium dobesilate cream, 1% diclofenac sodium solution, urea-based solution, and 65% and 80% trichloroacetic acid. Local skin reactions were often mild and transient.

Does Medicare pay for removal of seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that most often appears as small, dark-colored spots on the face, chest, or back. While they are not harmful, many people choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons. Medicare does not cover the removal of seborrheic keratosis unless it is medically necessary.

Will 3 hydrogen peroxide get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

The FDA has approved hydrogen peroxide 40% topical solution (Eskata – Aclaris Therapeutics) for treatment of raised seborrheic keratoses (SKs) in adults. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication. (Hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter for topical use as a 3% solution.)

What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic keratosis?

Introduction. Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign epidermal tumors with high sun exposure as a major risk factor. Vitamin D deficiency is also thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.

Does vaseline get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Treatments for seborrhoeic keratoses? As they are harmless they do not require any treatment. Any itching or irritation can frequently be relieved by simple moisturisers such as E45 cream® or Vaseline Intensive Care lotion®. NHS services do not currently treat seborrhoeic keratoses.

Why am I getting so many seborrheic keratosis?

Experts don't completely understand what causes a seborrheic keratosis. This type of skin growth does tend to run in families, so there is likely an inherited tendency. If you've had one seborrheic keratosis, you're at risk of developing others. A seborrheic keratosis isn't contagious or cancerous.

How do you use Vicks for seborrheic keratosis?

I began applying Vicks to the area twice a day and covered it with a large, round bandage. (Actually, it was a generic version called Medicated Chest Rub I found at my local pharmacy.) The edge nearest my hairline began to peel back first. I used a cotton swab to press the Vicks as far into the patchy area as I could.

Is it okay to scratch off seborrheic keratosis?

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar. A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it or scrape it off with a tool.

How much does it cost to remove a seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrhoiec Keratosis Removal Costs from Only £500 per Session. Usually Seborrhoiec Keratosis can be removed in just one session, even if there are a few lesions to be removed.

Who removes seborrheic keratosis?

How do dermatologists treat seborrheic keratoses? Cryosurgery: The dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen, a very cold liquid, to the growth with a cotton swab or spray gun.

Does wart remover work on seborrheic keratosis?

Some cases of seb keratosis can be reduced with anti-inflammatory creams. A simple hack is to treat smaller keratosis with over-the-counter wart kill.

Why was Eskata discontinued?

After 2 years the company, ceased to sell the product. Eskata was intended for physicians to prescribe and apparently not enough did so to sustain the business. When Aclaris considered direct-to consumer (DTC) advertising, it was warned by the FDA for misleading and incomplete disclosure of potential adverse effects.

Will tea tree oil get rid of keratosis?

While preliminary studies suggest tea tree oil may have potential for the treatment of actinic keratosis, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this use.

Will apple cider vinegar get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

There are no proven home remedies for seborrheic keratoses. Lemon juice or vinegar can irritate the skin, possibly causing the lesion to dry and crumble. However, there is no evidence that this is safe or effective.

Is there a home remedy to remove seborrheic keratosis?

Home Care. There are no proven home remedies for seborrheic keratosis. Lemon juice or vinegar used by some may irritate and possibly cause the growth to dry and crumble, but there is no evidence that this is safe or effective. Also, it can cause substantial irritation and pain.

Should I see a dermatologist for seborrheic keratosis?

Importantly, seborrheic keratosis is a benign condition; the growths do not become cancerous and therefore do not require treatment. However, some people opt to have the spots removed for cosmetic reasons or if the spots become irritated or inflamed because of their location and/or trauma.

What ointment removes keratosis?

Medicines. If you have several actinic keratoses, your health care provider might prescribe a medicated cream or gel to remove them, such as fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex others), imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) or diclofenac.

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