Is seborrheic keratosis a type of wart?

Author: Bernadine Mertz  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

They are also known as basal cell papillomas or seborrheic warts. Seborrheic keratoses can look like warts but are not warts. Warts result from a virus, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Seborrheic keratoses are unlikely to stem from HPV or another virus.

Is a seborrheic keratosis a wart?

Seborrheic keratosis is a condition that causes colored growths on the skin that sometimes resemble warts. The growths are noncancerous (benign). This irritated seborrheic keratosis may easily be mistaken for a nevus. It is irritated, and erythematous.

Is seborrheic dermatitis a wart?

Seborrhoeic keratoses (SK) are also known as seborrhoeic warts and basal cell papillomas. They are benign growths caused by a build-up of skin cells.

How do you get rid of seborrheic warts?

Seborrheic keratosis removal can be achieved with one or a combination of the following methods:
  1. Freezing the growth. ...
  2. Scraping (curettage) or shaving the skin's surface. ...
  3. Burning with an electric current (electrocautery).

Is seborrheic keratosis from HPV?

In four cases, light microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated that seborrheic keratoses may be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Why did I suddenly get seborrheic keratosis?

We don't know exactly why these growths occur, but we can look at the circumstances that often go along with it. The first is age: seborrheic keratoses are especially common in adults over 50, and they tend to multiply as people get older. Some studies suggest that sun exposure may increase their occurrence.

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.

What is the best wart remover for 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.

Why am I suddenly getting lots of warts?

Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. There are more than 100 types of this common virus, but only a few cause warts on the hands. Some strains of HPV are spread through sexual contact. But most are spread by casual skin contact or shared objects, such as towels or washcloths.

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 is the best thing to put on seborrheic keratosis?

Topical medications
  • tazarotene, which is a vitamin A derivative.
  • alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate the skin.
  • imiquimod cream, which treats certain types of growths on the skin.
  • urea ointment, which exfoliates and moistens the skin.

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 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.

Can I use Compound W on seborrheic keratoses?

Compound W (for the skin) is used in the treatment of acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea or psoriasis, corns, calluses, warts and prevent symptom recurrence.

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.

What is a wart like bump on your nose?

A fibrous papule is a spot on the nose that people get in early to mid adult life. A fibrous papule may measures between 1mm to 5mm in diameter. A fibrous papule is usually firm and like a small dome but occasionally can stick out a little more, much like a small wart or skin tag.

What vitamin deficiency causes warts?

Currently, there is no single vitamin deficiency definitively proven to cause warts on hands. Some studies suggest there is a potential connection between lower vitamin B12 levels and an increased risk of contracting a wart. Sustaining a healthy immune system might help your body fight HPV infections more easily.

Do warts mean I have a bad immune system?

A very healthy immune system may be able to fight off the invading virus, so you don't develop warts at all. Or maybe you see foot warts for a while, but eventually your immune system beats the infection back. A weaker immune system might not be able to protect you from HPV and plantar warts.

Does wart cream 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.

Can you put Compound W on a wart?

Buy a wart medicine with 17% salicylic acid (such as Compound W). No prescription is needed. Apply the acid once a day to the top of the wart. If there are many warts, treat the 3 largest ones.

What vitamin gets rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic Keratosis Topical Treatment

A good to excellent response from the following topical treatments: Maxacalcitol (vitamin D3 analogue ointment) Hydrogen peroxide 40% Tazorac (tazarotene 0.1% cream) twice daily.

What happens if you pick at a seborrheic keratosis?

Typically, the lesions aren't painful, but they may itch. Be careful not to rub, scratch or pick at them, though. This can lead to bleeding, swelling and, in rare cases, infection. Depending on their size and location, seborrheic keratoses can become irritated or bothersome.

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.

Will salicylic acid remove seborrheic keratosis?

Salicylic or lactic acid: These solutions can dissolve rough, dry and crusted skin,and help break down seborrhoeic keratoses. They are available over the counter or online without a prescription.

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