Struggling with stubborn, dark, or rough patches on your skin that just won’t fade?
You may be dealing with seborrheic keratoses. These non-cancerous growths are quite common, particularly as we age. While they pose no threat to your health, their appearance can often lead to frustration or self-consciousness. That’s where we step in.
At Cryosonic Cardiff, we understand the effect these blemishes can have on your confidence. Our state-of-the-art removal techniques are designed to be both gentle and effective, helping you achieve smooth, clear skin.
Seborrhoeic keratoses are non-cancerous skin bumps that people often get as they get older. They may seem concerning, but they are not dangerous. However, they can be bothersome or uncomfortable. This is especially the case if they become larger, feel different, or appear in noticeable areas like the face, neck, or chest.
1. Adults Over 40:
These growths are not often found in kids or teens. They usually appear more as people age. Many people consider them a normal part of growing older. By the time someone is 60 or 70, most will have at least one seborrhoeic keratosis, and often several.
2. Genetic Influence:
If your close family members, like your parents or siblings, have had seborrhoeic keratoses, you might have a greater chance of getting them too. Your genes look like they play an important part in when they appear and how often.
3. All Skin Types, More in Lighter Skin:
Seborrhoeic keratoses can appear on any skin type, but they often occur in people with light skin. For those with darker skin, these patches may look darker and feel smoother. This can sometimes cause mix-ups with other skin issues.
4. No Gender Bias:
Both men and women can get seborrhoeic keratoses. These growths are not related to hormones. This means that both men and women can have them equally.
5. Possible Link with Sun Exposure:
Seborrhoeic keratoses are not caused directly by sun damage. However, they often appear on areas of the body that get sun, like the back, face, shoulders, and chest. Being in the sun may make them appear faster in people who may get them.
Is it seborrheic keratosis or skin cancer?
Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous (benign) growth that often resembles skin cancer, but it is not cancerous.
Skin cancer typically has irregular borders, asymmetry, and changes in color, while seborrheic keratosis is usually round, well-defined, and varies in color but remains benign.
Always consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Can I remove seborrhoeic keratosis at home?
It’s not advisable to remove seborrhoeic keratosis at home, as doing so can lead to infection, scarring, and an incomplete removal.
It’s best to consult a dermatologist to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Cryotherapy is important for getting rid of seborrhoeic keratosis. It offers a fast and simple treatment. This method uses very cold temperatures, often from liquid nitrogen or a special CryoPen, to freeze and destroy the skin growth.
The cold helps the skin cells in the keratosis break apart. This leads to the natural shedding of the treated area over several days. It works well for flat or slightly raised spots. People usually handle it well and do not need much time to recover.
Cryotherapy is most important because it causes very little or no scarring if done right. This is why many people choose it to look better.
1. Improved Aesthetic Appearance
Many people decide to remove seborrhoeic keratosis because they feel the growths are not attractive.
These spots can have strange shapes and different colors. This may worry people who care about how they look. Getting rid of them can lead to smoother, clearer skin and better overall appearance.
2. Reduced Discomfort
Seborrhoeic keratosis is usually not painful. However, bigger or bumpier spots can get irritated. This is especially true if they rub against clothes or feel friction.
This can cause pain or even bleeding. Taking away these spots stops any pain they may bring.
3. Prevention of Skin Damage
Sometimes, seborrhoeic keratosis can get irritated or inflamed. This may happen if it is hurt or rubbed too much. It could lead to damage on the skin.
By getting rid of the growths, the risk of more irritation or damage is reduced. This helps keep the skin healthy and safe.
4. Better Skin Health Monitoring
Sometimes, seborrhoeic keratosis can look like other skin problems, including harmful growths.
Removing the growth helps a professional to examine the area better. It also makes sure that any dangerous growths are checked properly. This is very important for people who have had skin cancer or other skin issues in the past.
5. Enhanced Confidence
For people who feel uncomfortable about how seborrhoeic keratosis looks on visible parts of their body, getting it removed can help boost their self-esteem.
This is especially good for people who want to wear certain clothes, swim, or take part in activities. They do not have to feel embarrassed about the growths on their skin.
Recovery after seborrhoeic keratosis removal Cardiff is typically quick, with most individuals resuming normal activities within a few days.
Here’s a general timeline for recovery:
In general, most people experience full recovery within 2 to 3 weeks. It’s essential to follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications like infection or scarring.