Seborrheic keratoses... Or what I like call "Wisdom spots"

Written by Dr. Wendy Myers

If you are over the age of 30 and have had a skin check with me, you may have heard me use the term "wisdom spot." What I am actually referring to are common lesions called seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic keratoses or SKs are common benign skin lesions that often start developing in patients in their thirties, and continue to form as we age. I often like to joke with my patients that these are markers of their wisdom and maturity, as most patients do not want to hear that they are due to aging.

Patients often confuse SKs with "moles", but they are not. SKs are made of keratinocytes and not melanocytes which comprise true moles or nevi. They can develop on any part of the body except the palms and soles and can appear in many different ways: skin toned, pigmented, flat, or even quite raised, often resembling warts. 

The good news I always try to reinforce with my patients is that they are benign and require no treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated, inflamed, or itchy. There are various ways that this can be done in the office including cryotherapy (freezing lesion with very cold spray that results in the lesions peeling off), curettage (scraping lesion off after local anesthesia), or electrocautery (electric needle to burn lesion off, often with curettage).  Therapies are often determined by the size and location of the lesion. Treatment areas often heal well, but may hyper or hypo- pigmentation as a result. 

Sun Protection During the Spring and Summer

As we enter into spring and summer one question that is often asked is: What is the best sunscreen? The simplest answer is; "the one that you will use!!!"

Many improvements have been made over the years and sunscreens are now reasonably priced and readily available.  In addition, they now have standardized messaging.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or more.  This level of protection can be found in lotions, sprays, sticks (excellent around the eyes and for athletes), moisturizer, make-up and more. 

There are two major active ingredients: metals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the light (but are invisible) or ringed compounds like avabenzone and oxybenzone that absorb the dangerous energy.  Both are effective but metals are bit more expensive so are less commonly found.

The effects of water are now more clearly labeled as well as they are either water resistant for 40 minutes, water resistant for 80 minutes or untested.

 MOST IMPORTANTLY, sunscreen must be applied in adequate quantities and are only effective for 1-2 hours.  So while you are out having fun, make sure you re-apply.  You can have the fanciest sunscreen in the world but if you don't apply it, it won't help you!!! 

Be Safe, Have Fun!!

Written by:

Dr. Keegan