Seborrheic Keratoses in South Florida: What Are Those Brown Spots and Should You Worry?

You notice a new brown, rough, slightly raised spot on your chest or back. It looks almost like it was stuck on there. You have not seen it before, and now you are not sure whether to worry. Should you get it checked? Is it a mole? Could it be something serious?

For many South Florida adults, what they are looking at is a seborrheic keratosis. These harmless skin growths are extremely common, especially as we get older, and they tend to multiply over time. While they are not dangerous, they can look concerning, and that is reason enough to have them evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.

What Are Seborrheic Keratoses?

Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin growths that develop from the outer layer of skin. Despite how they look, they have nothing to do with sebaceous glands or infection. They are simply a very common form of skin overgrowth that becomes more frequent with age.

• They can appear on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and abdomen
• They typically look waxy, scaly, or warty with a "stuck on" appearance
• Color ranges from light tan to dark brown or even black
• They may be flat or raised, smooth or rough in texture
• They are not contagious and are not caused by a virus
• They tend to increase in number as people age, especially after 40

Most seborrheic keratoses are painless, but some can become irritated from clothing or friction. Occasionally, they may itch or feel tender. If a growth changes in size, shape, or color, that is always worth having examined promptly.

Why South Florida Adults See Them More Often

Living in South Florida means consistent, intense sun exposure year-round. While seborrheic keratoses are not directly caused by the sun the way sun spots or actinic keratoses are, cumulative UV exposure may contribute to their development and can certainly make existing pigment changes more pronounced.

• Years of Florida sun can increase skin cell turnover and pigmentation irregularities
• Seborrheic keratoses often appear darker against sun-tanned or sun-damaged skin
• Outdoor lifestyles mean more body surface area exposed for longer periods of time
• Heat and sweat can cause seborrheic keratoses in friction zones to become more irritated

Because South Florida skin often deals with multiple overlapping concerns including sun spots, melasma, and benign growths, it can be hard to know exactly what you are looking at without a professional evaluation. You can learn more about how sun exposure contributes to skin changes in our post on why South Florida's winter sun still causes hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Seborrheic Keratoses vs. Something More Serious: When to Be Concerned

This is the most important reason to have any new or changing growth evaluated. Seborrheic keratoses can closely resemble several other skin conditions, including some that do require treatment.

• Melanoma: A dark or irregularly shaped seborrheic keratosis can look similar to melanoma. A dermatologist can examine it carefully and determine whether a biopsy is needed.
• Actinic keratoses: These are precancerous lesions that also appear as rough, scaly patches, most often on sun-exposed skin. They require treatment, unlike seborrheic keratoses.
• Moles (nevi): Dysplastic or atypical moles may visually overlap with seborrheic keratoses. Any growth with irregular borders, multiple colors, or recent change should be examined.
• Warts: On the hands or feet, seborrheic keratoses may resemble common warts. A dermatologist can tell the difference quickly.

The rule of thumb is simple. If you are not sure what something is, have it looked at. A professional skin check takes very little time and provides real peace of mind. You can read more about what warrants an evaluation in our post on skin tags and moles in South Florida: when to get them checked.

Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses do not require treatment for medical reasons. However, many patients choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or when they become irritated by clothing, jewelry, or daily friction.

Common removal options a dermatologist may recommend include:

• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and remove the growth. This is quick, well-tolerated, and commonly used for smaller lesions.
• Curettage: The growth is gently scraped away using a small instrument. Often combined with electrosurgery for clean removal.
• Electrosurgery: A low-level electrical current is used to remove or destroy the tissue. Can be very precise.
• Shave excision: The growth is carefully shaved away at the skin's surface level.

Many patients experience smooth, clear skin after treatment with minimal downtime. Results can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the growths. Your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate approach after a thorough evaluation.

How Dermatology Experts Can Help

At Dermatology Experts, patients across Tamarac, Parkland, Miami, and surrounding South Florida communities come to us with exactly these concerns. A spot that looks unfamiliar. A growth that appeared recently. Something that has always been there but suddenly looks different.

Dr. Angelo Ayar, our board-certified dermatologist trained at the University of Michigan, brings thorough, evidence-based care to every skin evaluation. Whether a growth turns out to be a simple seborrheic keratosis or something that warrants closer attention, patients leave knowing exactly what they are dealing with and what, if anything, needs to be done next.

We serve patients throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and beyond. With three convenient South Florida locations, getting a professional skin check has never been easier.

If you have noticed new or changing brown spots on your skin, do not wait to have them evaluated. Call Dermatology Experts at (954) 726-2000 or visit dermexperts.com to schedule your appointment today.