Seborrheic keratoses or seborrheic warts

Seborrheic keratoses

Characteristics of seborrheic keratoses:

1. Appearance :
   • Seborrheic keratoses often appear as slightly raised, round or oval growths that appear to be “stuck” to the skin.
   • They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and their texture can be rough or smooth.
   • The colour varies from light brown to black, but some lesions may be yellowish or pinkish.
2. Location :
   • They usually appear on areas of the body such as the face, scalp, back, chest, arms or legs.
   • They are not caused by the sun, although they can appear on areas exposed to UV rays.
3. Evolution :
   • Seborrheic keratoses develop slowly and may appear in greater numbers with age.
   • Although they are usually painless, they can cause itching or irritation, especially if rubbed by clothing or accessories.

Diagnosis:

1. Clinical examination :
   • A dermatologist can usually diagnose seborrheic keratosis by simply observing the lesion because of its typical appearance.
2. Dermatoscopy :
   • This tool allows for a closer look at the superficial features of the lesion, often confirming the benign nature of seborrheic keratosis.
3. Biopsy :
   • In the rare cases where the lesion is atypical or difficult to differentiate from melanoma or another skin condition, a biopsy may be performed to rule out any risk.

Treatment:

Although seborrheic keratoses are benign and usually do not require treatment, they can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.

1. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen):
   • This method consists of freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, which causes it to be destroyed and gradually eliminated.
2. Curettage :
   • Used to scrape the lesion under local anesthesia, often in combination with electrocoagulation to cauterize the treated area.
3. Electrocoagulation :
   • This method uses an electric current to burn and remove seborrheic keratoses. It is effective but can leave a small scar.
4. CO2 laser :
   • The CO2 laser is a non-invasive technique that can remove seborrheic keratoses with great precision. This method is fast, safe, and minimizes scarring.
5. Surgical excision :
   • It is rarely necessary, except in cases where the lesion is large or recurring.

Differentiation with other lesions:

Although seborrheic keratoses are benign, they can sometimes resemble more serious lesions such as melanoma. This is why a dermatological consultation is often recommended to ensure the diagnosis.

CO2 laser treatment

CO2 laser treatment is an effective and non-invasive method for removing seborrheic keratoses or seborrheic warts, benign skin lesions common in the elderly. This type of laser is particularly appreciated for its precision and ability to treat lesions without damaging the surrounding tissue, minimizing scarring and healing time.

Why use CO2 laser for seborrheic keratoses?

1. Precision :
   • The CO2 laser allows the lesion to be vaporized layer by layer with great precision, which is particularly useful for treating delicate areas such as the face.
2. Aesthetic results :
   • This technique reduces the chances of visible scarring, making it a preferred choice for treating seborrheic keratoses in exposed areas (face, neck).
3. Security :
   • The CO2 laser helps to eliminate lesions while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. It offers optimal control of the ablation depth, making the treatment safer compared to other techniques.
4. Speed of processing and recovery :
   • The treatment is quick and often carried out in a single session. Healing is usually faster than with other methods (such as cryotherapy or curettage), and side effects are limited to redness and temporary slight swelling.
5. Fewer recurrences :
   • The CO2 laser has the advantage of destroying seborrheic keratosis in depth, which reduces the chances of recurrence compared to other techniques such as cryotherapy.

Advantages of laser treatment for seborrheic keratoses:

1. Without significant pain : The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, thus minimizing the patient’s discomfort.
2. Fast and effective : A single session is usually enough to treat several lesions.
3. No visible sutures or scars : Unlike surgical excision, laser usually does not leave visible scars, especially on sensitive areas.

Possible side effects:

• Redness and swelling : These effects are temporary and disappear within a few days.
• Light scabs : Scabs may form on the surface of the treated area, but they fall off naturally after a few days, giving way to healthy skin.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation : In rare cases, transient changes in skin color may occur, especially in dark-skinned patients.

Indications for the laser:

The CO2 laser is recommended for patients who want an aesthetic and effective treatment for benign lesions, including:

• Location on the face or neck, where aesthetic healing is particularly important.
• Large number of lesions : The laser can treat multiple keratoses in a single session, which is convenient for patients with multiple lesions.

Conclusion

Seborrheic keratoses are benign and frequent skin growths that appear with age. Although they are harmless, they can be removed if they cause discomfort or for aesthetic reasons

The CO2 laser is a modern, safe and effective treatment option for removing seborrheic keratoses. It offers superior esthetic results and a quick recovery time, making it an ideal option for patients concerned about the appearance of these benign lesions.