Seborrheic Keratoses: “Stuck-On” Spots Explained

Seborrheic keratoses are common skin growths that often look waxy, rough, or as if they are sitting on top of the skin. Many people describe them as “stuck-on” spots because they can appear raised and sharply outlined, almost like a small patch of wax or a crumb of dry skin that will not brush away.

While these growths are usually benign, they can sometimes resemble warts, moles, actinic keratoses, or even certain skin cancers. That is why a calm, careful evaluation is helpful, especially when a spot is new, changing, irritated, bleeding, or simply unfamiliar to you.

Quick answer

• Seborrheic keratoses are common noncancerous skin growths that often become more noticeable with age.
• They may look tan, brown, black, gray, or skin-colored, and can feel waxy, scaly, rough, or slightly raised.
• They are not contagious and are not caused by poor hygiene.
• A dermatologist can usually evaluate them visually, but a biopsy may be recommended if the diagnosis is uncertain.
• Do not try to scrape, burn, or remove a growth at home, especially if it is changing or bleeding.

What it is

A seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth that develops from the outer layer of the skin. It is different from seborrheic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory, flaky condition that often affects oily areas such as the scalp, brows, and sides of the nose.

These growths can appear almost anywhere on the body, but they are often seen on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and trunk. Some are smooth and waxy, while others are thick, crusted, or bumpy. They can be small and subtle or more raised and noticeable.

The phrase “stuck-on” is a visual clue, not a diagnosis. A dermatologist looks at the full picture, including the shape, border, color, texture, symptoms, and whether the spot has changed over time.

Common causes or triggers

The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not always clear, but several patterns are commonly seen.

• Age: They often become more common as adults get older.
• Family tendency: Some people are more likely to develop them if close relatives have them.
• Skin type: They can occur in all skin tones, although their appearance may vary.
• Friction: A growth may become irritated if it rubs against clothing, jewelry, shaving areas, or bra straps.
• Time: Some people gradually develop multiple spots over many years.

Seborrheic keratoses are not considered contagious. They do not spread from person to person, and they are not something you can catch from touching someone else’s skin.

What you can do at home

At home, the safest approach is observation and gentle skin care, not removal. Keep an eye on spots that are new or unfamiliar, and note any change in size, color, border, texture, or symptoms.

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to support overall skin health.
• Avoid picking, scratching, shaving over, or scraping the spot.
• Use a bland moisturizer if the surrounding skin feels dry or irritated.
• Take a clear photo in consistent lighting if you want to monitor visible changes over time.
• Book a dermatology visit if a spot becomes painful, bleeds, grows quickly, turns very dark, or looks different from your other spots.

Over-the-counter acids, wart removers, sharp tools, and at-home freezing products can irritate the skin, cause unwanted pigment changes, or delay evaluation of a growth that needs medical attention. If you are unsure, it is worth getting checked.

Professional options

A dermatologist can evaluate the growth and discuss whether treatment is necessary. Many seborrheic keratoses do not need to be removed unless they are irritated, symptomatic, cosmetically bothersome, or uncertain in appearance.

Common office-based options may include freezing, gentle scraping, shave removal, or other clinician-directed techniques. The best approach depends on the size, location, thickness, skin tone, symptoms, and diagnostic certainty. If a spot does not look typical, your dermatologist may recommend removing a small sample so it can be examined under a microscope.

Removal can leave temporary redness, tenderness, light or dark marks, or a scar, so your clinician can help weigh the benefits and tradeoffs before treatment.

When to see a dermatologist

Schedule a dermatology evaluation when a growth is new, changing, irritated, or difficult to identify. It is especially important to have a spot checked if it bleeds, grows quickly, becomes painful, turns black, has multiple colors, develops an irregular border, or looks unlike the rest of your skin growths.

You should also be evaluated if many new growths appear suddenly, or if you have a personal history of skin cancer, a strong family history of melanoma, significant sun exposure, or a spot that keeps catching on clothing or shaving.

For patients in Fort Lauderdale, including seasonal residents and international visitors, a skin check can be a practical way to clarify what a spot is and whether it needs monitoring, treatment, or biopsy.

FAQ

Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?

They are usually benign, but some skin cancers and precancerous spots can look similar. A dermatologist can evaluate the spot and decide whether monitoring, treatment, or biopsy is appropriate.

Can I remove a seborrheic keratosis myself?

No. At-home removal can irritate the skin, increase the risk of marks or scarring, and may delay diagnosis if the spot is not actually a seborrheic keratosis.

Why do I keep getting more of them?

Many people develop more seborrheic keratoses over time, especially with age or family tendency. A sudden change in number or appearance should be evaluated.

Do seborrheic keratoses turn into skin cancer?

Seborrheic keratoses themselves are generally benign. The concern is that another type of lesion can sometimes resemble one, which is why changing or unusual spots should be checked.

Will removal leave a mark?

It can. Any removal technique may leave temporary discoloration or a scar. Your dermatologist can explain the expected healing considerations for your skin type and the location being treated.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For diagnosis and personalized treatment, please book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Sources & further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Seborrheic keratoses: Overview
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Seborrheic keratoses: Tips for managing
• DermNet – Seborrhoeic keratosis
• Mayo Clinic – Seborrheic keratosis: Symptoms and causes