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Hey Doc – Is this growth harmless?

Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here for you when you have questions about new growths or changes in your skin. A common condition we see at our offices is seborrheic keratosis.

Though they may look worrisome, seborrheic keratosis growths are benign. These small, rough bumps seem to run in families and can sometimes appear during pregnancy. A seborrheic keratosis usually appears as a brown, black or light tan growth on the face, chest, shoulders or back. It is more common to see multiples but they can appear as a single growth. Though seborrheic keratosis are normally painless and don’t require treatment, they can be removed if they become irritated by clothing or for cosmetic reasons.

Whether or not you think your new skin growth is seborrheic keratosis, you should still schedule a consultation with one of our certified dermatologists. They can determine whether or not your skin growth is harmless. They can even remove it for you if you want.

If you have any questions about seborrheic keratosis or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Barnacles of Old Age


As we age, things may disappear that we would prefer to keep (i.e.: speedy metabolism) and things may show up that we didn’t ask for. The latter is the case for seborrheic keratosis, one of the most common types of noncancerous skin growths in older adults.

These common and typically painless growths appear as a brown or black waxy growth on the face, chest, shoulders or back. Growths can be isolated or appear in clusters. They are usually not bothersome but can be depending on their size and location. Avoid rubbing, scratching or otherwise irritating the growth spots. In rare cases, infection can result. If the growths become a problem, they can be removed.

Stop by our office to discuss the best option for removal of your seborrheic keratosis. Because the growth is never deeply rooted, the process is usually simple and not likely to leave scars. Methods for removal include freezing, scraping the skin’s surface, burning with an electric current, or vaporizing the growth with a laser. Our dermatologists will help you decide the best way to get rid of those barnacles of old age!

If you have any questions about seborrheic keratosis and treatment options, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.