How do you get rid of geriatric warts? Understanding seborrheic keratosis

Oct 15, 2025 3 min read •

dermatology skin health

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a majority of adults over 50 will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis, which are often called "geriatric warts". While these common, non-cancerous growths don't require removal for medical reasons, many people want to know how do you get rid of geriatric warts for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate irritation. The good news is that several effective, in-office procedures can remove them safely and permanently.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to safely and effectively remove seborrheic keratosis, colloquially known as geriatric warts. It details various medical procedures, from cryotherapy to laser removal, addresses why treatment is sought, and distinguishes these benign growths from other, more concerning skin lesions.

Key Points

Misnomer: "Geriatric warts" are actually seborrheic keratoses (SKs), which are non-viral and non-contagious skin growths.
Professional Removal is Key: The most effective methods for removal are in-office procedures performed by a dermatologist, not at-home remedies.
Variety of Treatment Options: Available treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery, curettage (scraping), laser therapy, and a prescription topical solution.
Diagnosis is Crucial: A dermatologist must confirm the lesion is a benign SK and not a more serious condition like melanoma, especially if it changes size, shape, or color.
Not Required for Health: Removal of seborrheic keratoses is not medically necessary unless they become irritated; it's typically done for cosmetic reasons or comfort.
Permanent in One Spot: Once a seborrheic keratosis is fully removed, it typically will not grow back in the same spot, although new ones may appear elsewhere over time.
Gentle Exfoliation for Texture: Some find that gentle exfoliation with products containing alpha-hydroxy acids can help smooth the texture of SKs, but it will not remove them entirely.

What Are Geriatric Warts (Seborrheic Keratoses)?

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that "geriatric warts" are not true warts. The correct medical term is seborrheic keratosis (SK), and unlike warts, they are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. They are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that appear most often in middle-aged and older adults.

SKs can appear anywhere on the body, except the palms and soles, and commonly form on the face, chest, shoulders, and back. They have a characteristic "stuck-on" or waxy appearance, and their color can range from light tan to dark brown or black. While they are harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or itching if they rub against clothing.

Medical Procedures for Removal

For those who wish to have their SKs removed for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate irritation, a dermatologist offers several in-office procedures. The specific method chosen depends on the size, location, and thickness of the growth.

Cryotherapy: This is a very common method where a doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth. The frozen lesion will typically blister and then fall off within a few days or weeks. One potential side effect is the skin becoming lighter (hypopigmentation) in the treated area, especially in individuals with darker skin.
Electrosurgery and Curettage: In this procedure, the doctor numbs the area, then uses an electric current to burn the growth (electrosurgery), and scrapes away the remaining tissue with a scoop-shaped surgical tool called a curette. This is often used for thicker growths.
Shave Excision: After numbing the area, a doctor can use a scalpel to carefully shave off the growth. This method is often preferred when a biopsy of the tissue is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Laser Therapy: Lasers can be used to destroy the SK with a high degree of precision. This can result in excellent cosmetic outcomes but may have a longer recovery period.
Topical Solution: A prescription-strength hydrogen peroxide solution (40%) is a non-invasive option approved by the FDA for raised SKs. It is applied in a doctor's office, but multiple sessions may be needed, and it can cause temporary side effects like redness and scaling.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While most SKs are benign, it is crucial to have any new or changing skin growths evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. This is because SKs can sometimes be mistaken for more serious skin cancers, like melanoma. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the growth, and if there is any doubt, perform a biopsy to ensure it is not cancerous.

If you notice any of the following changes, you should consult a doctor:

A growth that is growing rapidly.
A lesion that changes in size, shape, or color.
A growth that has irregular borders.
A lesion that bleeds or doesn't heal.

Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Other Common Skin Growths

Because SKs can mimic other skin conditions, a professional diagnosis is vital. The table below compares SKs to other common skin lesions.


Feature	Seborrheic Keratosis (SK)	Warts	Moles	Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Cause	Exact cause unknown; linked to genetics and aging.	Human Papillomavirus (HPV).	Clusters of pigment-producing cells.	Sun exposure.
Appearance	Waxy, scaly, often appears "stuck-on"; tan, brown, or black.	Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan; rough texture.	Flat or raised, dark spots; can be tan, brown, or black.	Rough, scaly patches; often reddish or skin-colored.
Contagious?	No.	Yes.	No.	No.
Risk	Benign; not cancerous.	Benign; rarely associated with cancer.	Usually benign, but some may become cancerous.	Pre-cancerous; can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Location	Face, scalp, chest, back, neck (not palms or soles).	Anywhere on the body.	Anywhere on the body.	Sun-exposed areas like face, hands, and arms.

Conclusion

While the term "geriatric warts" is a misnomer, the skin growths it describes are common and usually harmless. Seborrheic keratoses are a natural part of the aging process for many individuals. If you find these lesions bothersome due to their appearance or irritation, consulting with a dermatologist provides several effective and safe options for removal, including freezing, scraping, or laser treatments. Most importantly, getting a professional evaluation is essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any potential for skin cancer.

For more detailed information on dermatological conditions, consider visiting the American Academy of Dermatology website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Geriatric warts are a common name for seborrheic keratoses (SKs), which are not true warts. Regular warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious, while SKs are not viral, not contagious, and are instead associated with aging and genetics.

No, seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. However, because they can resemble certain types of skin cancer, it is essential to have any suspicious growths checked by a dermatologist to ensure a correct diagnosis.

It is not recommended to remove seborrheic keratoses at home. DIY treatments can cause scarring, infection, or irritation, and you risk misidentifying a more serious condition like skin cancer. Professional medical treatment is the safest and most effective option.

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a common treatment, but it can potentially leave a lighter or darker patch of skin (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation). The risk is higher for individuals with darker skin tones and if the treatment is too aggressive.

While the exact cause is unknown, SKs are strongly linked to aging and genetics. Over time, changes in the skin can lead to an accumulation of skin cells (keratinocytes), forming these waxy, "stuck-on" growths.

A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis, often just by visual examination or with the aid of a dermatoscope. For definitive confirmation or if there are suspicious features, a biopsy is performed. It's impossible to tell with 100% certainty without a professional evaluation.

No, seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and do not spread from one person to another or from one part of the body to another. You may, however, develop new, independent growths over time, which is common with age.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.