Seborrheic Keratosis

What caused the color change in this pigmented lesion?

David L. Kaplan, MD-Series Editor
University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas

Dr Kaplan is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.  He practices adult and pediatric dermatology in Overland Park, Kansas. 

Volume 52 - Issue 4 - April 2012

Seborrheic Keratosis

Changes in a pigmented lesion on her arm send a 68-year-old woman for medical consultation. A red area has recently developed in the long-standing, asymptomatic lesion.

Which of the following would you offer?

A. Reassurance.

B. A topical corticosteroid cream.

C. A shave biopsy.

D. A punch biopsy of the red area.

E. Excision of the entire lesion.

(Answer on next page.)

 

 

Seborrheic Keratosis

Answer: Seborrheic keratosis

Like the lesion described in Case 1, this is a seborrheic keratosis. The red area is irritation from mild trauma, which the patient could not recall. The erythema usually resolves without treatment, and only reassurance, A, needs to be offered.