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Original poster

Seborrheic keratosis flapping off and advice on how to deal with it.

21 replies

INeedNewShoes · 06/10/2023 14:18

I have a seborrheic keratosis on my face near the top of my ear. Slightly larger than a 5p piece It's really annoying and is becoming more prominent and very raised. GP has checked it recently and is happy that it's one of these.

(The next bit is a bit grim so don't read if you're squeamish/eating)

But I just noticing that half of it was flapping off and was able to very easily ease it away. It came off in dark brown crumbs. It bled. It looks such a state. There's hair (long hair like the stuff on my head rather than short fine facial hair) growing through it even though I don't grow hair there normally. Some of it is pale almost skin coloured and other bits are darker brown.

Is it ok to remove bits when they become removable? And any sensible way I could get rid of the whole thing. It's extremely irritating - I can feel it all the time sort of gently stinging/prickling/tight feeling. I definitely don't want it to stay forever!

OP posts:
Gagagardener · 06/10/2023 14:33

I do not think you can get rid of this yourself.

I've given up bothering much about mine now because I am old, they are numerous and mostly covered by clothing. However, when I was young and more concerned about how I might look undressed, my GP agreed to remove a couple by freezing them off. A long time ago; perhaps GPs don't do that now?

If I were you, I'd be pushing for the surgicsl removal of the one you describe, because of the risk of infection of an open wound.

Good luck.

NanTheWiser · 06/10/2023 15:43

I had exactly the same thing! In almost the same place as you. I’m 76, and have loads, with a couple on both sides of my face. One started to become more pronounced, with the edges starting to raise slightly, so I would gently pick at the edges, and eventually the whole thing came off! There is still a light brown mark, but completely flat, and easily disguised with makeup so I’m quite happy about that! So, I would say it’s fine to remove it (though they can sometimes bleed a bit).

Original poster
INeedNewShoes · 06/10/2023 16:14

Thank for your replies.

My GP said they’re not removed on the NHS anymore as they’re harmless and will often just grow back.

OP posts:
SlipSlidinAway · 06/10/2023 16:21

NanTheWiser · 06/10/2023 15:43

I had exactly the same thing! In almost the same place as you. I’m 76, and have loads, with a couple on both sides of my face. One started to become more pronounced, with the edges starting to raise slightly, so I would gently pick at the edges, and eventually the whole thing came off! There is still a light brown mark, but completely flat, and easily disguised with makeup so I’m quite happy about that! So, I would say it’s fine to remove it (though they can sometimes bleed a bit).

Same here. I had one on the side of my forehead for years which I hated. Last year I must have caught or knocked it and it lifted on one side. I kept picking at it and eventually it all came away. Didn't leave a mark.

I have quite a few on my back and hate them as they itch. Think I've managed to scratch one or two of those off too.

bestbefore · 06/10/2023 16:25

You could see a private dermatologist who will cut it off?
Will obvs cost but might be worth it?

Ilovegoldies · 06/10/2023 16:28

I had mine cut off. It was irritated by my clothing so it had to go. Cost a fair bit mind you but they sent it off to check it wasn't cancerous so that was reassuring.

Wishimaywishimight · 06/10/2023 16:31

I had one on my shoulder blade near my bra strap. My GP advised me to have it removed as they can bleed heavily if knocked off. Mine had actually started to come loose so GP removed it in the surgery. He injected some local anaesthetic and it was completely painless.

That was about 4 years ago and it hasn't grown back.

Leo227 · 06/10/2023 16:31

my mum had some removed at a beauty place last year, think she paid under £150 for each one. when she was looking there were quite a few places offering removal.

SlipSlidinAway · 06/10/2023 21:51

I had one removed by my gp a few years ago that my bra kept catching on. I'd actually been to my new gp last year about the one on my forehead and he was going to remove that for me too - but I beat him to it. So not sure it's the case op that they can't be removed on the NHS. Maybe you've just been unlucky with your gp?

Original poster
INeedNewShoes · 07/10/2023 09:58

To those whose GP removed it did they cut it out or freeze it off?

OP posts:
PlatinumBrunette · 07/10/2023 10:15

I hesitate to suggest this - not a medic disclaimer, but my elderly mum was told by a past GP that Bazuka works. The strongest type.

And do not let the liquid touch normal skin. I tried it on one I had/have on my chest. It mostly went, but as it got smaller it was harder to avoid normal skin. And then it hurt like hell, so I stopped. Fairly sure it’s slowly regrowing.

Years ago, I had another removed by a GP who said it was a kind of wart, so I guess the Bazuka makes sense.

dementedpixie · 07/10/2023 10:24

I've seen them being scraped off on some of the programmes I watch e.g dr pimple popper, bad skin clinic, skin a&e, etc

GlitteryFarts · 07/10/2023 10:29

I got one frozen off in dermatology clinic a few weeks ago on the NHS. It was harmless but kept rubbing on my bra strap and was uncomfortable so they removed it anyway.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 07/10/2023 10:32

Salyic acid and a rough flannel got rid of mine and it hasn't come back.

SlipSlidinAway · 07/10/2023 15:58

INeedNewShoes · 07/10/2023 09:58

To those whose GP removed it did they cut it out or freeze it off?

The one a gp removed was cut out and a couple of stitches out it. Though I do remember him saying that I could probably have scraped it off 🤷‍♀️

lljkk · 07/10/2023 16:20

I have always picked mine off.

Laurabeee · 07/10/2023 16:23

You could try massaging Vaseline into it which may help it be smooth at least. NHS is under pressure not to do anything about these. Privately it could be treated with cryotherapy.

Mumof1andacat · 07/10/2023 16:34

I got mine on my back removed privately. The oerson used a scapper that was really hot. Over and done within minutes. A very small amount of pain but no worse than getting your eyebrows waxed

Sarvanga38 · 07/10/2023 16:36

Not going to help near your hairline, but for others I’ve taken to the blister plasters I saw recommended on here - just leave it on for a week or so, then they peel off with it. Probably a bit of rough skin left underneath, but no lumpy horrible stuff that catches.

elaeocarpus · 07/10/2023 16:44

As pp i use high strength bazuka( salicylic acid) or wart freeze stuff; i have loads and have to do it a few times on some larger ones to get rid, some go completely some just leave a light brown shadow

It does dry like a white crust, i leave it on for a few days and the it often peels off with the brown surface, repeat. It stings. when i had a couple on my cheek near hairline i did them when i knew i was WFH for a few days followed by weekend

If i had a large/prominent one on my face i would pay for it to be removed however

Chiaseedling · 07/10/2023 16:48

My DH has these on his back. He’s had a few burnt off (they use some chemical) by a dermatologist 🤢 He did have one on his forehead which the nhs did remove so maybe they do faces and not backs?!

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