Symptoms

A seborrheic keratosis usually looks like a waxy or wartlike growth. It typically appears on the face, chest, shoulders or back. You may develop a single growth, though multiple growths are more common.

A seborrheic keratosis:

• Ranges in color from light tan to brown or black
• Is round or oval shaped
• Has a characteristic "pasted on" look
• Is flat or slightly raised with a scaly surface
• Ranges in size from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across
• May itch

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if:

• Many growths develop over a short time.
• The growths get irritated or bleed when your clothing rubs against them. You may want the growths removed.
• You notice suspicious changes in your skin, such as sores or growths that grow rapidly, bleed and don't heal. These could be signs of skin cancer.