Seborrheic Keratosis – Cryotherapy – Freezing Skin Growths with Liquid Nitrogen

Intro – Seborrheic Keratosis – Cryotherapy – Freezing Skin Growths with Liquid Nitrogen

I had a number of skin growths removed by cryotherapy this morning. Dr. Brian Sher’s consulting room address is provided at the end of this article for anyone interested. You do not need local anesthetic. You feel a sharp stinging pain whilst liquid nitrogen is being applied to the area. Following treatment the sharp stinging pain remains for 2-3 minutes and then disappears.

What is Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common, bening (non-cancerous) skin growth that appears as a raised, waxy or wart-like lesion on the skin. They are very common, especially in older adults, and can be various shades of brown, black, tan, or even white. While they are harmless, they can sometimes be mistaken for melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, or become irritated and require removal. 

Characteristics

• Appearance: SKs can be flat or raised, round or oval, and range in size from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters. 
• Color: They can be light tan, brown, black, or even skin-toned. 
• Texture: They may feel waxy, scaly, or have a wart-like texture. 
• Location: They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, neck, chest, and back. 
• Cause: While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and sun exposure are thought to play a role. 
• Not contagious: SKs are not contagious and do not spread from person to person. 

When to see a doctor

• If you are concerned about a new or changing growth: Any skin growth that changes in size, shape, or color should be examined by a dermatologist. 
• If a growth becomes irritated, itchy, or bleeds: While SKs are usually harmless, irritation or bleeding can occur. 
• If you are concerned about the appearance of SKs: If you don’t like the way they look, you can discuss removal options with a dermatologist. 

Beating Skin Cancer One More Time >

Treatment – Seborrheic Keratosis – Cryotherapy – Freezing Skin Growths with Liquid Nitrogen

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage or Shave Excision: Scraping or shaving off the growth.
• Electrocautery: Burning the growth with an electric current.
• Laser resurfacing or chemical peels: These are less common methods. 

Important Note: Do not attempt to pick or remove SKs at home, as this can lead to infection or scarring. 

Dr. Brian Sher

For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Should you be looking for a competent dermatologist and you live in Johannesburg I can highly recommend Dr. Brian Sher:

Room 205 (2nd Floor), Bedford Towers, Bedford Centre, Bedfordview.