"Wisdom spots," also known as seborrheic keratoses (SKs), are common, noncancerous skin growths that often appear as people age. They are characterized by their waxy, "stuck-on-the-skin" appearance and can look like warts, moles, or even skin cancer. However, SKs are distinct from these other growths.
Wisdom spots are usually flat and irregularly shaped, often appearing on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms. They can be brown, black, or flesh-colored and may have a rough, scaly, or warty texture. While they are harmless, some people may find them aesthetically unappealing.
There are various treatments available for wisdom spots, including:
- Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen.
- Electrocautery: This uses heat to destroy the spots.
- Laser therapy: This uses a focused beam of light to remove the spots.
- Topical medications: Some creams and ointments can help reduce the size or appearance of the spots.
If you have any concerns about a skin growth, it's always best to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
