Did you know that the keratin that is so useful for the hair can cause damage to the skin if produced in excess? Yes, sometimes it can happen. The most visible sign of seborrheic keratosis is the appearance of unsightly black blemishes and bumps on the skin due to the abnormal buildup of keratin.
Read on to find out more about the dermatological condition and check out the list of proven treatment for seborrheic keratosis.
Seborrheic keratosis is a skin disease that is characterized by the abnormal rate of accumulation of skin cells that results in the excessive production of keratin that blocks the skin pores and hair follicles and induces the development of bumps, blemishes, and pimples on the skin.
Causes
There is no specific cause of seborrheic keratosis. However, scientists have speculated that it could be due to overexposure of the skin to the UV rays of the sun triggers the accumulation of keratin and causes seborrheic keratosis.
Symptoms
The different methods of seborrheic keratosis removal at home can control and cure the following symptoms.
- The presence of skin bumps on the abdomen, back, chest, and other parts of the body.
- The appearance of inch-sized waxy black warts on the skin
- Redness and itching sensations of the bumps
[Also Read: Natural Treatment for Actinic Keratosis]
Top 5 Extraordinary Ways to Treat Seborrheic Keratosis
1. Foods
Garlic
The use of garlic is an effective home treatment for the cure of senile warts, seborrheic keratosis on the face, and senile keratotic patches on the skin.
How to use?
- Rinse the skin with lukewarm soapy water and pat dry
- Crush a couple of fresh cloves of garlic
- Apply the minced garlic to the black waxy patches and warts on the face and other parts of the body
- Stick a piece of duct tape to attach the crushed garlic cloves to the skin
- Rip the duct tapes off the surface after about 2-3 hours
- Rinse the area of the skin
- Do this on a daily basis
Benefits
If you are wondering how to remove the black patches then the use of garlic is very effective. Garlic is known for its powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The cloves of garlic work wonder on the waxy patches of seborrheic keratosis(1) and cure the dermatological disorder in a few days.
Precaution
Do not use this remedy if your skin is allergic to garlic. If the pungency of garlic is too much for your sensitive skin, then follow through with the other methods of seborrheic keratosis home treatment.
[Read: Health Benefits of Black Garlic]
Below listed foods are to eat and avoid to manage seborrheic keratosis
| Foods to Eat | Foods to Avoid |
| Dark chocolate | Sugary beverages |
| Yogurt | White bread |
| Pomegranates | Processed fruit juice |
| Walnuts | Margarine and other butter |
| Bell peppers | Fries and chips |
| Sunflower seeds | Processed meat |
| Kidney beans | Fast foods |
| Soy chunks and soy milk | Caffeinated drinks |
2. Herbs for Seborrheic Keratosis
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a calming and refreshing herb. It is especially useful for the natural treatment of inflamed seborrheic keratosis, and seborrheic keratosis on the scalp.
How to use Aloe Vera as Seborrheic Keratosis Home Treatment?
- Slit a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and slice out the gel
- Add a teaspoon of rose water to the gel with slight stirring to make a paste
- Smear your skin and scalp with the paste
- Keep it on for about 30-35 minutes
- Rinse your skin with lukewarm water
- Do this twice daily
Benefits
The topical application of the gel mixed with rose water helps in refreshing the skin. It cures the pain, relieves the itchiness, moisturizes the rough and blistering patches, alleviates the inflammation, nourishes the surface, and softens waxy warts until they become loose and fall off. Smearing the scalp with the gel helps in the cure of keratosis on the scalp by keeping it continuously hydrated and nourished. The gel also helps in the elimination of skin bumps, pimples, and blisters.
Precaution
Conduct a patch test by applying a tiny amount of Aloe Vera gel in an unaffected area of the skin to ensure that your skin is not allergic to it.
3. Essential Oils for Seborrheic Keratosis
Tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most effective amongst essential oils for seborrheic keratosis, senile keratotic warts, and pigmented seborrheic keratosis.
How to use?
- Add a teaspoon of tea tree essential oil to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
- Smear the affected parts of your skin and scalp with the oil mixture before going to bed at night
- Rinse your skin and scalp with rose water mixed with plain water in the next morning
- Do this on a daily basis for how to get rid of keratosis pilaris
Benefits
The topical application of the tea tree essential oil helps in the natural treatment of seborrheic keratosis and senile warts. The rich content of antioxidants present in the oil fights against the inflammation, itchiness, and pain of seborrheic keratosis and protect the skin against oxidative damage.
Topical application of the mixture of tea tree essential oil and coconut oil on the scalp helps in the cure of seborrheic keratosis on the scalp and prevents the dryness and flakiness of the scalp by keeping it hydrated.
Precaution
Dilute the tea tree essential oil with coconut oil before applying it to the skin. Conduct a patch test to test the sensitivity of the skin to it.
4. Home Remedies for Seborrheic Keratosis
Apple cider vinegar
The application of apple cider vinegar is one of the most remarkable remedies for senile warts and inflamed seborrheic keratosis.
How to use?
- Mix four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with four tablespoons of water to prepare a solution.
- Dip a cotton ball in the solution
- Stick the soaked cotton balls to senile warts with the help of duct tapes or band-aids
- Rip the duct tapes off with a sharp tug
- Do this daily
Benefits
The acidic nature of the apple cider vinegar aids in the stimulation of the skin to fight against warts and inflammation(2). Apple cider vinegar is known for its potent antiviral and antimicrobial properties that work in unison to cure seborrheic keratosis
Precaution
Do not forget to dilute the apple cider vinegar with plain water before applying it to the skin.
You Can Buy Acv Gummies as an Alternative. Check out Here
5. Natural Treatment
Epsom salt bath
Taking a bath with Epsom salt in lukewarm water is incredibly useful for the natural treatment of itchy seborrheic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis on the face, pigmented seborrheic keratosis and senile warts,
How to use?
- Fill the bathtub with warm water.
- Pour a cup of Epsom salt into the water.
- Get into the tub.
- Scrub the affected areas of the skin with the saltwater while in the bath.
- Do this twice a day, for about 15-20 minutes
Benefits
Rubbing the affected parts of the skin with the salty water aids in the shedding of the skin by sloughing off the dead skin cells. The hot water helps in the unclogging of skin pores and aids in the removal of the accumulated keratin thereby treating seborrheic keratosis.
Precaution
Do not scrub your skin too hard with the Epsom salt or else it might get bruised.
How to prevent seborrheic keratosis?
- Keep your skin well-nourished and hydrated all the time
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin against the UV rays of the sun
Actinic keratosis vs. Seborrheic Keratosis
The primary cause is the same for both actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis. The main symptom of actinic keratosis is the rough and blistering patches that develop on the skin along with severe burning and itching sensations. Seborrheic keratosis marks the appearance of black bumps on the skin surface but is relatively painless.
Bottom Line
The key to healthy and beautiful skin consists of a balanced diet and regular exercise. Ditch the chemical creams and the occasional poking and scratching and follow through with a combination of the above-mentioned remedies to cure the dermatological disorder in no time. It is possible that some procedures may consume a lot of time, but in the end, they will give you a positive result. Follow these remedies as mentioned above, and you will notice the change in a short span of time.
FAQs
1. Does Tea Tree Essential remove seborrheic keratosis?
Yes, as mentioned above, this essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics and it helps in bringing down the swelling and over time even reduce the infection.
2. Can seborrheic keratosis grow quickly?
They are no records of growth rate that were observed, however, it is recommended that if you do have accelerated growth of seborrheic keratosis, please do consult with a dermatologist.
