What are seborrhoeic warts?

Seborrhoeic warts are also known as seborrhoeic keratoses or senile warts. They are harmless growths on the skin which are very common in those over 40.

What causes seborrhoeic warts?

They are benign growths due to a build up of ordinary skin cells. They are strongly age-related. They usually start to appear after the age of 40 years, and most elderly people will have at least a few seborrhoeic warts: some will have large numbers. They are not infectious and do not become malignant.

Are seborrhoeic warts hereditary?

Seborrhoeic warts can run in families and this suggests a genetic basis for them.

What are the symptoms of seborrhoeic warts?

Seborrhoeic warts are harmless, but can be a considerable nuisance. They can itch, become inflamed, and catch on clothing. Many people dislike the look of them, particularly when they come up on the face.

What do seborrhoeic warts look like?

Small flat seborrhoeic warts can often be seen in middle age, and they become more raised and larger as the years go by. Their size varies from less than one centimetre to several centimetres across. Seborrhoeic warts have a rough surface, and range in colour from a light brown to almost black. They give the impression that they are stuck onto the surface of the skin. Some look like small pigmented skin tags.

Seborrhoeic warts occur most often on the trunk but are also common on the head and neck. Their numbers vary: one person may have just one seborrhoeic wart; others have hundreds of them. Once present, they usually stay, and new ones often appear over the years.

Can seborrhoeic warts be treated?

Yes, either by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) or scraping them off (curettage) under a local anaesthetic.

What can I do?

Contact us if you are worried about a pigmented spot that is changing in any way, or if you have bothersome seborrhoeic warts you would like treated.