Seborrheic Keratosis

Sentinel Healthcare CIC provides expert private seborrhoeic keratosis removal for patients across Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, North Devon and South East Cornwall. Our experienced clinicians assess and treat benign seborrhoeic keratoses using safe, effective minor surgical procedures in a modern clinical setting.

If you have a raised, rough or unsightly skin growth that catches on clothing, affects your confidence or causes irritation, our experienced GP clinicians can assess the lesion and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Is a Seborrhoeic Keratosis?

A seborrhoeic keratosis is a common, harmless (benign) skin growth that usually develops as we get older. Although these growths are not cancerous, they can sometimes resemble more serious skin conditions, including melanoma, which is why any new or changing skin lesion should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Seborrhoeic keratoses often have a waxy, rough or slightly raised appearance and may look as though they have been “stuck on” to the skin. They vary in colour from light tan and brown to almost black.

While they are medically harmless, many people choose to have them removed because they are unsightly, become irritated or catch on clothing and jewellery.

Why Do Seborrhoeic Keratoses Develop?

The exact cause of seborrhoeic keratoses is not fully understood, but they become more common with age and often run in families.

Many people develop several lesions over time rather than just one.

Seborrhoeic keratoses commonly appear on the:

• Face
• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders
• Abdomen
• Scalp

They are usually round or oval in shape and can vary considerably in size and colour.

When Should a Seborrhoeic Keratosis Be Removed?

Although seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless, you may wish to have one removed if it:

• Becomes irritated or uncomfortable.
• Catches on clothing or jewellery.
• Bleeds after repeated rubbing.
• Affects your confidence or appearance.
• Causes uncertainty about what it is.

Our clinicians will carefully assess the lesion before recommending the most appropriate treatment.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal

Removal is usually a straightforward minor procedure carried out under local anaesthetic.

Depending on the size and location of the lesion, your clinician will recommend the most appropriate treatment technique to achieve the best possible clinical and cosmetic outcome.

Most patients are treated during a single appointment and are able to return home shortly afterwards with comprehensive aftercare advice.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment includes both your consultation and, where clinically appropriate, treatment on the same day.

Your visit typically includes:

• Assessment of your skin lesion.
• Discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Minor surgical removal where appropriate.
• Local anaesthetic for your comfort.
• Aftercare advice and follow-up recommendations.

Where clinically appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histology (laboratory analysis) for additional reassurance. We will share the results with both you and your GP if required.

Why Choose Sentinel Healthcare CIC?

Our private dermatology service is delivered by experienced GPs with Extended Roles (GPwERs) and Associate Clinicians with extensive expertise in dermatology and minor skin surgery.

Your fixed treatment price includes:

• Initial consultation.
• Minor surgical procedure.
• Modern clinical facilities.
• Experienced nursing support.
• Local anaesthetic.
• Dressings and consumables.
• Histology where clinically appropriate.
• Follow-up correspondence to you and your GP.

We are committed to providing prompt appointments, exceptional patient care and excellent cosmetic outcomes wherever possible.

When Should You Get a Skin Lesion Checked?

Although seborrhoeic keratoses are benign, you should always seek medical advice if you notice:

• A new skin growth.
• A change in the appearance of an existing lesion.
• A lesion with an unusual colour, including purple, blue or reddish-black.
• Irregular or poorly defined borders.
• A lesion that becomes painful, irritated or bleeds.
• Any skin growth that causes concern.

If, during your assessment, we believe your lesion requires further investigation rather than cosmetic removal, we will explain our findings and recommend the appropriate NHS referral pathway. Your health and safety will always be our highest priority.