How do you get rid of keratosis on your own?

Author: Hector Nicolas  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin. ...
  2. Be gentle to the skin. Avoid harsh, drying soaps. ...
  3. Try medicated creams. ...
  4. Moisturize. ...
  5. Use a humidifier. ...
  6. Avoid friction from tight clothes.

Is there a cream to remove 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. These products might cause inflamed skin, scaling or a burning sensation for a few weeks.

Why do I suddenly have keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris bumps happen when keratin clogs (blocks) your pores instead of flaking off. Your pores are openings in your skin where hairs come through your skin (hair follicles). Healthcare providers don't know why keratosis pilaris affects some people and not others.

What can I buy to get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Options include:
  • Tazarotene cream 0.1%.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products, including glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels.
  • Vitamin D3 cream.

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.

How to treat keratosis pilaris at home

How can I remove keratosis at home?

Try medicated creams.

Apply a nonprescription cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.

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.)

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 it OK 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 seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis treatment in NYC typically costs between $450 to $2,000 per treatment session. Seborrheic keratosis removal costs will depend on the number of lesions, size, and location of the growth, and the specific treatment being used.

Is it OK to pick off keratosis?

The growths should not be scratched off. This does not remove the growths and can lead to bleeding and possible secondary infection.

What foods trigger keratosis?

Although diet is not a cause of keratosis pilaris, intake of foods contributing to inflammation, may lead to or worsen the symptoms, so it is advisable to avoid foods causing inflammation. Those with keratosis pilaris should avoid the consumption of dairy products, soy, peanuts, trans fats, sugar and processed foods.

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.

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.

Does CeraVe help keratosis?

2 The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that is suitable for skin prone to keratosis pilaris on the face and body. Containing salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid , and 3 essential ceramides, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser helps to maintain moisture and strengthen the skin's barrier.

Can I use wart remover 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.

Is it bad to pick at keratosis?

Any lesion that changes in size, shape, or color should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist. If you have concerns about seborrheic keratoses or other growths, do not attempt to pick or remove them at home. Instead, call Spyglass Dermatology in Stuart or Tequesta, FL for an appointment.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove seborrheic keratosis?

Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat raised seborrheic keratoses (waxy and scaly, raised areas of skin). This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Spray.

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.

Is there an over the counter treatment for seborrheic keratosis?

Self-Care for Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic Keratoses are harmless lesions, but they often become itchy or irritated especially from clothing. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams may help relieve symptoms such as itching and redness.

What dissolves seborrheic keratosis?

Topical hydrogen peroxide shows the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of seborrheic keratoses and may be a viable option for patients requesting noninvasive removal. No studies to our knowledge directly compare hydrogen peroxide to current first-line treatments.

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.

Will insurance pay to remove 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.

Previous article
How long after a tattoo can I wear normal clothes?
Next article
What is a-derma cream used for?