Seborrhoeic
Keratosis

SEBORRHOEIC KERATOSIS

Seborrhoeic keratosis are also known as seborrhoeic warts, senile warts or barnacles. They are a non-contagious, benign (harmless) warty growth with a rough, dry, crusty surface, and range in colour from light golden brown to mid-brown to almost black. They occur most often on the trunk of the body, but they are also common on the head and neck. They appear during the natural ageing process on skins that have a genetic predisposition to this type of growth and are also caused by sun exposure.

If you have a seborrhoeic keratosis that you would like removing, your first step should be to visit your GP to confirm it isn’t a cause for concern and doesn’t require further investigation by a dermatologist. Once this has been confirmed this is where we can help. The NHS don’t fund removal of blemishes for purely cosmetic reasons. Don’t worry though, we offer a very simple procedure to effectively remove seborrhoeic keratosis at our clinic in Lincolnshire.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using an advanced electrolysis technique, a diathermy (heat) current and a very fine probe, the seborrhoeic keratosis is gently lifted from the skin. Following removal the area will scab over. The scab must be left to lift off naturally, this can take up to 14 days. Once the scab has lifted off the area must be kept protected from strong UV light for the next 12 weeks.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED TO HAVE?

Each seborrhoeic keratosis will require just one treatment. How many you would like removing, how long they have been there and the individual size of each one will determine the amount of treatment time and number of sessions you will need.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

This is not a sensation-free treatment and there is some discomfort involved. Most clients are able to easily tolerate the sensation.

ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

Once a seborrhoeic keratosis has been successfully removed and has healed it will not grow back. However, if you have a predisposition to seborrhoeic keratosis, further treatments may be necessary as new seborrhoeic keratosis may form.

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE INVOLVED?

Following your treatment, you may experience:

• Reddening, swelling and sensitivity of your skin in the area for up to 48 hours
• The treated area and surrounding skin may feel hot for up to 48 hours
• A scab will form
• Your skin may itch as the healing process takes place
• It can take weeks after the initial scab sloughs off before the fading and equalization of colour is complete and the final results are apparent. An exact match to the surrounding skin can never be guaranteed

Following treatment ensure that you adhere to the aftercare instructions to avoid unwanted reactions or infections:

• Do not touch, rub or irritate the treated area
• Do not under any circumstances remove any scabs that may appear. To do so may result in scarring
• Aftercare products recommended to use is: Sterex Witch Hazel Gel for 48 hours, followed by 28 days of Sterex Aloe Vera Gel. These are included in your treatment price. Apply twice a day or as often as required, before usual day/night cream.
• When washing and cleansing around the area, use a gentle soap or perfume free cleanser and gently pat the area dry to avoid dislodging and crusts or scabs
• Avoid activities that may irritate or dislodge any crusts or scabs, e.g., swimming, saunas, steam rooms, facial steaming, facial scrubs, waxing and other beauty treatments until the area has completely healed
• You must avoid UV exposure on the treated area completely during the healing process until the skin has returned to its normal healthy state.
• Once healed, cover and protect sun exposed areas using a good quality, high factor sunscreen at all times, particularly in the summer months
• Avoid using any possible skin sensitisers or irritants such as deodorant, perfumes, fake tan products and perfumed body lotions
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Should you have any concerns regarding your treatment please get in touch with me

ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PREVENT ME FROM BEING SUITABLE FOR THIS TREATMENT?

Yes. At your consultation and initial assessment, we would check for any medical conditions that would prevent us from going ahead with the treatment. To prevent you a wasted the journey the following conditions would mean you are unsuitable:

• cochlear implants
• history of keloid scarring
• haemophilia
• pacemaker
• taking blood thinning medication (Warfarin or aspirin)
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• high blood pressure
• any vascular or circulatory disorders
• recent suntan (you will need to wait until it has faded)
• recent scar tissue in the area to be treated
• use of retinol, Retin A or tretinoin on the area to be treated

 It is vital for effective and safe treatment that you are honest when answering the questions at your consultation.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TREATMENT?

If your seborrhoeic keratosis are numerous or close together it will not be possible to treat them all in one session. During your consultation we will discuss and agree your treatment plan.

Up to 30 minutes treatment, including aftercare products