Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin growth that is similar to a mole and is characterized by keratin on the surface, which causes textural details that often distinguish the growths. Anyone can get seborrheic keratosis, but it is most common in older people.
There are several treatments available for seborrheic keratosis, including topical treatments and surgery. Recent advances in managing and understanding seborrheic keratosis have led to the evaluation of two formulations for topical therapy: a product with 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP40) and an aqueous nitric–zinc solution. Topical treatments that have shown promise for reducing seborrheic keratoses include Maxacalcitol (vitamin D3 analogue ointment), hydrogen peroxide 40%, and Tazorac.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common treatment for seborrheic keratosis and is available in a 40% solution that has been approved by the FDA for topical use. Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is a 1% solution and is not as effective as the 40% solution. Hydrogen peroxide is applied to the seborrheic keratosis several times in one visit using an applicator pen, and mild skin reactions are a common side effect.
There is limited research on over-the-counter topical treatments for seborrheic keratosis, but some have shown promise for reducing the growths with fewer side effects and little-to-no recovery time. However, these treatments take time and persistence to work and are not 100% effective.
In summary, hydrogen peroxide is a common treatment for seborrheic keratosis and is available in a 40% solution that has been approved by the FDA for topical use. Other topical treatments that have shown promise for reducing seborrheic keratoses include Maxacalcitol, Tazorac, and an aqueous nitric–zinc solution. Over-the-counter topical treatments are available but are not as effective as prescription treatments and take time and persistence to work.
