Often referred to informally as "human barnacles," skin barnacles, technically known as seborrheic keratoses, generally appear as light-brown, slightly raised spots on the skin.
Understanding Skin Barnacles
Skin barnacles, or seborrheic keratoses, are common, non-cancerous skin growths. While the term "human barnacles" isn't a medical one, it's a descriptive nickname people use because of their appearance.
According to descriptions, skin barnacles:
- Can appear in several different forms depending on how they develop.
- However, they typically appear as light-brown spots that are slightly raised on the skin.
Typical Appearance
The most common look for these growths is a small, often round or oval, mark on the skin that seems stuck on, almost like a barnacle on a boat. They have a waxy, scaly, or bumpy surface texture.
- Color: Usually light to dark brown, but can also be yellow, gray, or black.
- Texture: Often described as waxy, stuck-on, rough, or crumbly.
- Shape: Can be round or oval.
- Elevation: Typically raised from the skin's surface.
Variations in Appearance
As mentioned, skin barnacles can look different depending on their development. Some might start as flat spots and become raised over time. They can vary in size from very small to over an inch across. While the general form is a light-brown, slightly raised spot, other forms might present differently in color or texture.
Key Features Summary:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Light-brown (generally), brown, yellow, gray, black |
| Texture | Waxy, scaly, rough, bumpy, stuck-on appearance |
| Shape | Round or oval |
| Height | Slightly raised from the skin |
They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
For more information on skin growths, consult a medical professional or visit reputable health websites. Learn More About Skin Conditions.
