Seborrhoeic Warts

Synonym: Senile warts.

Seborrhoeic Warts are very common, and one usually comes across them in adults past middle age. They are more common in males than females. The sites frequently affected are the trunk (chest, sides and back), the face, the neck, and less so, the extremities; the palms of hands and soles of feet are always spared.

Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Warts

A seborrhoeic wart is characterized by a raised, verrucous or flat surface, well-defined margins, a brownish or greyish colour, soft consistency and "stuck-on-the-skin" appearance. They are usually multiple. A seborrhoeic wart is usually about the size of a split pea, sometimes smaller. There is no induration or infiltration of the base; if there is, malignancy should be suspected. Seborrhoeic warts increase slowly in size and number.

Histology: It is characterized by hyperkeratosis and irregular acanthosis. There are no mitotic cells, and dermal infiltration is absent.

Prognosis of Seborrhoeic Warts

It is good. The lesions are asymptomatic, and only cause a cosmetic problem.

Cause of Seborrhoeic Warts

It is unknown. No virus or any relationship to the sebaceous glands has been demonstrated. They represent a kind of senile, benign epidermal hyperplasia.

Differential diagnosis of Seborrhoeic Warts

It is from moles, solar keratoses and verrucae. Age of the patient, multiple number, "stuck-on-the-skin" appearance and duration of the lesions are diagnostic. Histopathology is conclusive.

Treatment for Seborrhoeic Warts

None is usually indicated except when there is fear of malignancy, or treatment is considered necessary for cosmetic .reasons. The author has achieved good results with dermabrasive surgery. In its absence, electro-desiccation or 5 per cent acid salicylic or fluorouracil ointment may be tried.