Stucco Keratoses (Hyperkeratotic Seborrheic Keratoses, Keratosis Alba, Verrucous Seborrheic Keratoses)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Stucco Keratoses:

  • Were given this name because they look like small pieces of dried stucco on the skin
  • Are areas of thickened skin which usually develop on the lower legs, tops and sides of the feet and toes
  • Do not appear on the soles
  • Are not the same as moles
  • Are not cancerous and never develop into a skin cancer
  • Are usually white or grey in colour
  • Are “dry” and scaly
  • May be flat or raised
  • Are not due to the Human Papilloma (HPV) wart virus
  • Are not due to diet or sun damage
  • Usually appear as the skin matures
  • Are not contagious
  • May get gradually larger and increase in number with time
  • Do not disappear spontaneously

Liquid Nitrogen:

  • The treatment that I use most often is liquid nitrogen, which is a cold, freezing spray
    • The treatments sting and the area treated may remain sore for 1 to 2 days
    • The treatment may produce blisters
      • This is normal
    •  If the blisters are painful, pop them with a sterile needle to let the fluid out
    • The treated area requires no special treatment
    • You may bathe normally
    • A bandage is not necessary, but may be worn if desired

Surgical Removal:

  • In some cases it is best to remove the stucco keratoses with a small surgical procedure
    • The skin adjacent to a stucco keratosis is injected with a local anesthetic to numb the area
    • The stucco keratosis is removed and the base treated with a medication or electrocautery, so that it does not bleed
    • Stitches are not necessary
    • The removal is not painful
    • After the procedure you may bathe normally
    • For two weeks after the procedure, apply a small amount of antibiotic and change the bandage daily
    • After a stucco keratosis has been removed a crust or scab will form
    • This will heal and leave a pink mark that will gradually fade
    • After the removal, there may be a residual white mark
    • There is a small chance that the stucco keratosis could grow back
    • There is a very high likelihood that new stucco keratoses will develop with time
  • Treatment of seborrheic keratoses is not covered by OHIP or private health insurance
  • A referral from a doctor is necessary to make your first appointment

Stucco Keratoses – Foot and Ankle

Stucco Keratoses – Ankle

Stucco Keratoses – Sides of Foot

Stucco Keratoses

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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