Are SKs "senile warts" or contagious?

No. The 'senile wart' nickname is historical and now generally avoided. SKs are not viral warts and are not contagious. They do not spread from skin to skin or person to person. The 'wart-like' surface texture is just what they look like — they are biologically a benign growth of the top layer of the skin, driven by age and genetics rather than infection.

Why do they seem to "spread" across my body?

They don't spread by touch. You may simply develop new SKs over time — most people who develop one go on to develop several or many over the following decades as part of normal skin ageing. New lesions on new sites are not the original lesion travelling; they are new individual SKs forming independently.

Do you have to remove them?

No. Removal is optional unless there is diagnostic uncertainty or significant symptoms. Most older adults have at least one SK and many have dozens; most are never removed. Typical reasons people choose removal are: the lesion catches, bleeds or itches with friction, the lesion is cosmetically bothersome (face, neck, décolletage), or there is diagnostic uncertainty and a tissue sample is wanted for histology.

Can an SK look like melanoma or another skin cancer?

Yes — sometimes. Particularly when an SK is inflamed, irritated, or has bled, the dermatoscopic appearance can become atypical and overlap with melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma. This is why doctor-led dermatoscopic assessment is important before any cosmetic removal, and why we biopsy or remove with histology if there is any diagnostic uncertainty. Lasering a misdiagnosed lesion is a serious diagnostic delay.

What's the best removal method for facial SKs?

It depends on your skin type and the lesion. For lighter skin (Fitzpatrick I–III) — laser ablation is often the cosmetic gold standard, with shave removal preferred when tissue is needed for histology. For darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) — laser is often preferred over cryotherapy because cryotherapy carries higher risk of hypopigmentation (lighter marks) on facial and melanin-rich skin. The right method is chosen at consultation based on lesion type, location and skin type.

What's dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN)?

DPN is a common SK variant that appears as multiple small dark facial papules, often around the eyes and cheeks, and is more common in darker skin tones. The lesions are benign and biologically related to ordinary SKs. Treatment is optional and cosmetic; when chosen, laser is often preferred over cryotherapy on facial DPN in darker skin because the hypopigmentation risk with cryotherapy is higher.

I had hundreds appear in a short time — should I be worried?

A sudden eruption of many SKs over weeks to months is uncommon but is occasionally associated with an underlying systemic cause (the Leser-Trélat sign, which has been linked to internal malignancy in case reports). This is controversial and rare — most people develop SKs gradually over years as part of normal ageing. However, a genuinely sudden, large-scale eruption warrants medical review and sometimes investigation. Most patients who think they have 'lots all at once' actually have many that developed gradually.

What does the healing look like after removal?

Most methods cause a temporary healing phase. A small scab or crust is common, mild redness can persist for a few weeks (especially on the face), and pigment change (lighter or darker marks) can occur — particularly if you tan, get significant sun exposure, or pick the area during healing. Strict sun protection (SPF 50+) through the healing window minimises pigment problems. We provide written aftercare specific to the method used.

Benign skin growths

Seborrheic Keratosis

Name: Seborrhoeic Keratosis Melbourne — Doctor-Led Removal
Published: 2026-06-06

Seborrhoeic keratoses (often abbreviated as SKs and sometimes called "senile warts", "skin barnacles" or — more kindly — "wisdom spots") are extremely common benign skin growths that tend to appear from mid-life onward. They are not skin cancer and are not pre-cancerous. Because SKs can sometimes mimic, or hide alongside, more serious lesions, it is important to have any new, changing, bleeding or unusual growth assessed.

By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA

Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy

In brief

SKs are benign and do not turn into skin cancer — but a changing, bleeding or atypical lesion should be assessed because some skin cancers can mimic them.
Removal is optional and chosen for irritation, snagging, cosmetics or diagnostic certainty — not medical necessity.
Shave removal is often preferred when tissue is needed for histology.
Curettage / electrosurgery suits thicker raised lesions.
Cryotherapy is fast but can leave lighter marks, particularly in darker skin tones and on delicate facial skin.
Laser is often the cosmetic gold standard for facial lesions after medical confirmation of diagnosis — especially in darker skin where cryotherapy is riskier.
DPN (dermatosis papulosa nigra) is a common SK variant on darker skin where laser is usually preferred over cryotherapy.
Sudden eruption of many SKs over weeks (the controversial "Leser-Trélat sign") is rare but warrants medical review.
Combined booking (20-minute medical appointment + 40-minute dermal therapist session) available for patients with multiple lesions wanting a comprehensive cosmetic plan.

Quick definition

A seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) is a very common, benign, “stuck-on” skin growth that appears from mid-life onward. Not skin cancer and not pre-cancerous. The exact cause is a mix of age-related skin changes plus genetic factors; SKs are not viral, not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene. Removal is optional — chosen for irritation, snagging, cosmetics or diagnostic certainty. Methods include shave removal (preferred when tissue is needed for histology), curettage / electrosurgery (thicker lesions), cryotherapy (fast but with pigment risk on darker skin), laser (cosmetic gold standard, especially in darker skin) and selected chemical options. Doctor-led dermatoscopic assessment is essential before any cosmetic removal — some skin cancers can mimic SKs.

Seborrhoeic keratoses (often called SKs, “senile warts”, “skin barnacles” — or more kindly, “wisdom spots”) are extremely common benign skin growths that tend to appear from mid-life onward. They are not skin cancer and are not pre-cancerous. ^(1–3)

Because SKs can sometimes mimic — or hide alongside — other lesions, it is important to have any new, changing, bleeding or unusual growth checked. ^(1–3)

What is a seborrhoeic keratosis?

Seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign growth of the top layer of the skin. ^(1–3) Many people develop multiple lesions over time — in fact, SKs are so common that most older adults have at least one. ^(1,2)

They are:

not contagious
not caused by poor hygiene
not caused by “worms” or infection — they just happen with age and genetics in many people ^(1–3)

What does an SK look like?

SKs can vary, but classic features include: ^(1–3)

“stuck-on” appearance — as if pasted onto the skin
waxy, warty or rough surface
colour range — skin-coloured, tan, brown, very dark brown / black, sometimes grey
often have tiny surface features that look like small plugs or speckles

Common locations — chest and back, face and neck, scalp, under breasts or in skin folds. SKs do not occur on palms or soles. ^(2,3)

Who gets them (and why)?

Common risk factors

Age — uncommon in children and young adults; common from mid-life onward ^(1–3)
Family tendency — many patients notice SKs “run in the family” ^(1–3)
Friction areas — may appear more in folds and collar lines ⁽²⁾

What causes SKs? The exact cause is not fully understood, but SKs are considered a mix of age-related skin changes plus genetic factors. ⁽²⁾ Although they can look wart-like, they are not true viral warts. ^(2,3)

Variants you may hear about

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN)

A common SK variant with multiple small dark bumps, often on the face (especially around the eyes and cheeks), seen more often in darker skin tones. ^(1–3) Laser is usually the preferred cosmetic removal pathway because cryotherapy carries higher hypopigmentation risk in melanin-rich facial skin.

Stucco keratoses

Small white / grey “stuck-on” spots, often on lower legs and ankles in older adults. ⁽²⁾

Are they dangerous?

No — SKs are benign and do not turn into skin cancer. ^(1–3)

The main issue is look-alikes:

some skin cancers can mimic an SK, and an SK can look atypical (especially if inflamed or irritated) ^(1–3)
if we are not fully confident clinically, we may recommend biopsy or removal with histology for certainty

Very rarely, people can develop a sudden eruption of many SKs in a short time (the “Leser-Trélat” discussion). This is uncommon and controversial in the literature — most people develop SKs gradually over years as part of skin ageing. ^(2,3)

When should you get an SK checked?

Book a review if a lesion is:

new and rapidly growing
changing in colour or shape
repeatedly bleeding, crusting, ulcerating or persistently inflamed
clearly “different” from your other spots (the “ugly duckling”)
difficult to see (scalp / back) but bothersome or changing ^(1–3)

If your main concern is skin cancer risk rather than this specific lesion, see Skin cancer types and information. If you have multiple lumps and bumps and you are not sure what they are, see Other Dermatological Conditions.

How we book SK appointments

We offer two booking pathways. The right one depends on whether you have a single lesion you want assessed, or multiple lesions and want a comprehensive cosmetic plan:

Doctor-led assessment (20 minutes) — dermatoscopic review with Dr Chris Irwin, diagnosis confirmed, and management discussed. Most patients with one or two lesions need only this appointment.
Combined assessment + dermal therapist session (20 min + 40 min) — for patients with multiple lesions wanting a comprehensive cosmetic removal plan, including laser therapy for cosmetic refinement. We map which lesions to remove, which technique suits each area, and how to minimise marks and downtime.

The booking flow in the sidebar takes you to whichever option you choose.

Treatment and removal options

Removal is optional and usually chosen for:

snagging or bleeding due to friction
itch or irritation
cosmetic reasons
diagnostic certainty in atypical lesions ^(1–3)

We tailor the method to the lesion and location.

1. Shave removal (often best when tissue is needed)

A quick procedure under local anaesthetic, typically leaves a superficial healing area, and allows tissue to be sent for histology when appropriate. ^(1–3)

2. Curettage and / or electrosurgery (selected lesions)

Useful for thicker SKs. Involves gentle removal and treatment of the base. ^(1–3)

3. Cryotherapy (freezing)

Fast and effective for some lesions, but can leave a lighter mark, especially in darker skin tones or on delicate facial skin. ^(1–3)

4. Laser removal (cosmetic gold standard for suitable lesions)

Useful when you want a refined cosmetic outcome, particularly for multiple lesions or cosmetically sensitive areas — best planned after medical confirmation of diagnosis. ^(1–3) Often the right choice for DPN on darker skin where cryotherapy carries higher pigment risk. For more on laser modalities and how they work, see Laser & Light Treatments hub.

5. Chemical options (selected cases)

Some in-clinic chemical approaches exist for certain superficial lesions; suitability depends on lesion type, size and location. ⁽¹⁾

What to expect after removal

Most methods cause a temporary healing phase:

a small scab or crust is common
mild redness can persist for a while (especially on the face)
pigment change (lighter or darker marks) can occur, particularly if you tan or pick the area during healing ^(1–3)

We will give you aftercare instructions to reduce irritation, speed healing and minimise pigment change.

Book an SK assessment

If you want a clear diagnosis, reassurance or removal options, the booking panel in the sidebar takes you to the assessment appointment with Dr Chris Irwin at Ivanhoe or Diamond Creek. Both clinics operate the same patient pathway:

Ivanhoe — Unit 1/1065 Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe VIC 3079
Diamond Creek — Shop 12/67 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek VIC 3089

References

Cleveland Clinic. Seborrheic Keratosis (patient overview).
DermNet NZ. Seborrhoeic keratosis.
American Academy of Dermatology. Seborrheic keratoses — overview and treatment.

Symptoms

Classic "stuck-on" appearance — as if pasted onto the skin rather than growing out of it.
Waxy, warty or rough surface texture, often with tiny surface plugs or speckles.
Colour range — skin-coloured, tan, brown, very dark brown / black, sometimes grey or mixed within one lesion.
Common locations — chest, back, face, neck, scalp, and skin folds (under breasts, in collar lines); never on palms or soles.
Often multiple — most older adults have at least one; many people develop dozens over decades.
Generally asymptomatic, but can itch, snag on clothing or jewellery, or bleed if knocked.
Variant — dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN), multiple small dark facial papules, more common in darker skin tones.
Variant — stucco keratoses, small white / grey "stuck-on" spots, often on lower legs / ankles in older adults.

Causes & contributors

Age — uncommon in children and young adults; common from mid-life onward.
Genetic / familial tendency — SKs often run in families.
Friction in skin folds and collar lines may contribute.
Exact cause not fully understood — generally considered a mix of age-related skin changes plus genetic factors.
Not viral, not caused by poor hygiene, not contagious — despite the historical "senile wart" nickname.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually clinical and supported by dermoscopy. Most SKs are easily recognised — the classic stuck-on appearance with surface plugs and milia-like cysts is highly characteristic. However, some skin cancers can mimic an SK, and an SK that is inflamed or irritated can itself look atypical. If there is any clinical or dermatoscopic uncertainty, biopsy or removal with histology is recommended for diagnostic certainty. We do not perform cosmetic removal on lesions of uncertain diagnosis without first confirming benign histology — laser ablation of a misdiagnosed lesion is a serious diagnostic delay.

Treatment options

Reassurance — no treatment needed

Removal is optional. Most SKs do not need treatment if they are not causing symptoms and the diagnosis is clear. Many older adults have dozens of SKs and never have any removed.

Shave removal (often preferred when tissue is needed)

A quick procedure under local anaesthetic that typically leaves a superficial healing area and allows tissue to be sent for histology when appropriate. Often the preferred method when there is any diagnostic uncertainty or when histology certainty is wanted alongside cosmetic improvement.

Curettage and / or electrosurgery

Useful for thicker, more raised SKs. Involves gentle physical removal and treatment of the base to control bleeding and reduce recurrence. Usually quick; minimal stitches required.

Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)

Fast and effective for some lesions, but can leave a lighter mark (hypopigmentation) — risk is higher in darker Fitzpatrick skin types and on delicate facial skin. Often best avoided as a first choice on the face in melanin-rich skin.

Laser removal (cosmetic gold standard for suitable lesions) →

Useful when you want a refined cosmetic outcome, particularly for multiple lesions or cosmetically sensitive areas (face, neck, décolletage). Best planned after medical confirmation of diagnosis — laser ablation does not provide a tissue specimen for histology. Often the right choice for DPN on darker skin where cryotherapy carries higher pigment risk.

In-clinic chemical options (selected cases)

Some in-clinic chemical approaches exist for certain superficial lesions. Suitability depends on lesion type, size and location. Discussed at consultation alongside other options.

When to see a doctor

Book a review if a lesion is new and rapidly growing, changing in colour or shape, repeatedly bleeding, crusting, ulcerating or persistently inflamed, clearly different from your other spots (the "ugly duckling"), or difficult to see (scalp or back) but bothersome or changing. A sudden eruption of many SKs over a short time is uncommon but warrants assessment to exclude an underlying systemic cause. If your main concern is skin cancer risk rather than this specific lesion, a full-body skin check via our Skin Checks pathway is the better starting point. If you have multiple lumps and bumps and you are not sure what they are, start at Other Dermatological Conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Are SKs "senile warts" or contagious?

No. The 'senile wart' nickname is historical and now generally avoided. SKs are not viral warts and are not contagious. They do not spread from skin to skin or person to person. The 'wart-like' surface texture is just what they look like — they are biologically a benign growth of the top layer of the skin, driven by age and genetics rather than infection.
Why do they seem to "spread" across my body?

They don't spread by touch. You may simply develop new SKs over time — most people who develop one go on to develop several or many over the following decades as part of normal skin ageing. New lesions on new sites are not the original lesion travelling; they are new individual SKs forming independently.
Do you have to remove them?

No. Removal is optional unless there is diagnostic uncertainty or significant symptoms. Most older adults have at least one SK and many have dozens; most are never removed. Typical reasons people choose removal are: the lesion catches, bleeds or itches with friction, the lesion is cosmetically bothersome (face, neck, décolletage), or there is diagnostic uncertainty and a tissue sample is wanted for histology.
Can an SK look like melanoma or another skin cancer?

Yes — sometimes. Particularly when an SK is inflamed, irritated, or has bled, the dermatoscopic appearance can become atypical and overlap with melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma. This is why doctor-led dermatoscopic assessment is important before any cosmetic removal, and why we biopsy or remove with histology if there is any diagnostic uncertainty. Lasering a misdiagnosed lesion is a serious diagnostic delay.
What's the best removal method for facial SKs?

It depends on your skin type and the lesion. For lighter skin (Fitzpatrick I–III) — laser ablation is often the cosmetic gold standard, with shave removal preferred when tissue is needed for histology. For darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) — laser is often preferred over cryotherapy because cryotherapy carries higher risk of hypopigmentation (lighter marks) on facial and melanin-rich skin. The right method is chosen at consultation based on lesion type, location and skin type.
What's dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN)?

DPN is a common SK variant that appears as multiple small dark facial papules, often around the eyes and cheeks, and is more common in darker skin tones. The lesions are benign and biologically related to ordinary SKs. Treatment is optional and cosmetic; when chosen, laser is often preferred over cryotherapy on facial DPN in darker skin because the hypopigmentation risk with cryotherapy is higher.
I had hundreds appear in a short time — should I be worried?

A sudden eruption of many SKs over weeks to months is uncommon but is occasionally associated with an underlying systemic cause (the Leser-Trélat sign, which has been linked to internal malignancy in case reports). This is controversial and rare — most people develop SKs gradually over years as part of normal ageing. However, a genuinely sudden, large-scale eruption warrants medical review and sometimes investigation. Most patients who think they have 'lots all at once' actually have many that developed gradually.
What does the healing look like after removal?

Most methods cause a temporary healing phase. A small scab or crust is common, mild redness can persist for a few weeks (especially on the face), and pigment change (lighter or darker marks) can occur — particularly if you tan, get significant sun exposure, or pick the area during healing. Strict sun protection (SPF 50+) through the healing window minimises pigment problems. We provide written aftercare specific to the method used.

References

Recent advances in managing and understanding seborrheic keratosis. F1000Res. 2019.DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18983.1
Managing seborrheic keratoses — evolving strategies for optimizing patient outcomes. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017.

Related conditions

Related treatments

Moles, Skin Lumps & Bumps Removal

Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy