Removing Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic Keratosis is one of the many skin conditions we can treat here at VSM Pharmacy using Cryotherapy.

What is Seborrheic Keratosis?

It is a moderatly raised light or dark brown/black lesion on your skin. These lesions, or seborrheic warts, are often on a person’s back, but you can also have seborrheic keratosis on your face, neck and torso. 

Are the growths cancerous?

No. They are benign growths. They won’t do you any harm and they aren’t contagious.

What causes seborrhoeic Keratosis?

A build up of skin cells causes the condition and this usually happens after the age of around 40 and is common amongst people of 50 or over. It also often runs in families so there may be a genetic link.

Why would I want them treated if they are harmless?

They can look unsightly, and they may itch or rub against clothing which is uncomfortable.

What does cryotherapy do?

Cryotherapy can remove any seborrheic warts. It is an effective and safe procedure that doesn’t cause any damage to healthy tissue.

How does cryotherapy work?

A Cryopen emits a fine jet of nitrous oxide. It  freezes the inter-cellular fluid which is the fluid within the cell membrane. Ice shards and crystals then form which rupture the membrane and destroy the cell.

Is the treatment to remove seborrheic keratosis painful?

You might experience a stinging sensation, it is uncomfortable rather than painful. The discomfort doesn’t last long though because the treatment is normally brief.

What about healing?

Immediately after the procedure, the area might be itchy, this usually lasts around half an hour. As the area begins to heal there might be some inflammation or redness which is normal. You might also have a small scab or blister, but this won’t affect the outcome of the treatment.

It will normally take two to three weeks to heal, and it may feel sore for 1 or 2 days after the treatment.

Can anybody have seborrhoeic keratosis warts removed with cryotherapy?

People who have the following medical conditions can’t be treated:

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers or other extremities)
• Immunosuppression (the body’s ability to fight disease and infections is suppressed)
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Auto-immune disorders such as MS, Crohn’s disease or Lupus
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do the warts come back after treatment?

Seborrhoeic keratosis will rarely come back in an area once it is treated. They can however appear in places where treatment haasn’t taken place.

Why is there a consultation before the treatment?

It is important to find out your medical history and to have a look at your skin to make sure the wart is caused by seborrhoeic keratosis. If there is doubt you will be advised to see your GP before undergoing any treatment.    

How much does cryotherapy for seorrheic keratosis cost?

The cost will depend on the number of warts you want removed. The consultation is free and the removal of one wart is £69.99 which also includes a check-up four weeks after the treatment. Any additional wart removals cost £29.99 each.

How do I make an appointment?

You can come in and see us at the Pharmacy, or you can give us a call on 01276 21002. The easiest way is book an appointment online. The calendar will show you available dates and times.