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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Keratoses on face
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Keratoses on face
by Keith A., Jul 22, 2001 12:00AM
About two months ago, I noticed a small growth on the side of my face. It's small, round, smooth, light brown colored (sort of like a mole) and protrudes slightly from the skin surface. It doesn't hurt or itch or anything like that. I've never had any growths on my skin, so I did some research and determined that what I have is a keratoses. Although it doesn't appear to be serious (my father had them appear on him all the time - I don't think he ever saw a doctor!), I've made an appointment with a dermatologist.
In the meantime, unless I'm imagining things, it appears that the keratoses on my face is slowly fading. It doesn't protrude from the skin as much as when I first discovered it; in fact, it barely protrudes at all. Also, the light brown color on part of it is slowly returning to a more natural "skin" color. My question is this: Do these keratoses growths sometimes dissapear on their own, without any treatment? If it does indeed fade away, that would save me a trip to the dermatologist, not to mention some money. I would hate to get something cut off my face knowing that there's a good chance it will go away on it's own. If a keratoses shows signs of reversing itself, does that necessarily mean it will continue fading away, or could it start growing again? Thank you for your help.
In the meantime, unless I'm imagining things, it appears that the keratoses on my face is slowly fading. It doesn't protrude from the skin as much as when I first discovered it; in fact, it barely protrudes at all. Also, the light brown color on part of it is slowly returning to a more natural "skin" color. My question is this: Do these keratoses growths sometimes dissapear on their own, without any treatment? If it does indeed fade away, that would save me a trip to the dermatologist, not to mention some money. I would hate to get something cut off my face knowing that there's a good chance it will go away on it's own. If a keratoses shows signs of reversing itself, does that necessarily mean it will continue fading away, or could it start growing again? Thank you for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 22, 2001 12:00AM
, Jul 22, 2001 12:00AM
Keratoses sometimes fall off, but they don't "fade away." I don't see any harm in your delaying a visit to the skin doctor for a month or two. If you leave the spot alone and it fades away completely, then you needn't be concerned. Keratoses may be genetic or sun-related, but they usually appear in more than one area, and develop very slowly. If it persists, show a doctor--they may not have to remove it, only treat it medically.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
