Seborrheic keratosis is a skin growth that is non-cancerous and comes from keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are the predominant skin cells found on the outer skin and consists 95% of all skin cells. Just like liver spots, seborrheic keratosis becomes more common as people grow older. They may vary in color and may be oval in shape and feel elevated or flat. This condition is most common in light-skinned people such as Caucasians. The disease does not noticeably affect dark skinned people but African Americans are somewhat affected by the condition.
While most people may find it best to visit a dermatologist and have their seborrheic keratosis treated with regular visits to a doctor, it is completely possible to treat the condition at home. Treatment of seborrheic keratosis when one goes to a doctor may involve liquid nitrogen treatment, surgery of laser removal. These are effective ways of removing seborrheic keratosis but are definitely not the only methods. The other methods can be safely done at home.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common treatments of seborrheic keratosis. Usually one needs to prepare a solution of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 23 to 80 percent. The next step is to apply the solution of hydrogen peroxide directly to the keratosis spots. The spots turn white for a moment and then gradually change into a pink color. Scabs appear later on the spots. Before a person starts to apply the hydrogen peroxide to the keratosis, they should apply moisturizing lotion or Vaseline to the area immediately surrounding the keratosis. This is to ensure the skin not affected by keratosis is not burnt by the hydrogen peroxide. This procedure should be repeated weekly until the spots completely disappear. To make sure that there is no recurrence; hydrogen peroxide may be added to bath water.
Another popular home treatment of seborrheic keratosis is the use of glycolic acid solution. A solution of 30% glycolic acid is put in a spray bottle. It is then sprayed directly on the affected skin which may cause a stinging sensation. This should be no cause for alarm because it’s the action of the acid on the skin. For best results, one should avoid washing the area and leave it overnight. The skin will turn red after the application and afterwards, it will dry into a crust. Eventually it falls off to reveal new, healthy skin. This procedure may be repeated for recurring or stubborn spots. A person who is trying this for the first time should first apply the solution to a small part and see the reaction of their skin. A burning sensation is normal since the acid acts by eating into the skin.
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