People often call seborrheic keratosis barnacles on humans. These barnacles on skin are linked to aging and sun exposure. Seborrheic keratosis is a common noncancerous (benign) skin growth that many people get as they get older. This article will explain more about these barnacles on skin. We will also discuss its symptoms as well as seborrheic keratosis treatment.
What Are Barnacles On Humans?
Barnacle spots are small, brown, or black marks on the skin, measuring 10-50 micrometers thick. They often result from sun damage and typically appear on the face, chest, and back. Human barnacle on face is harmless and not related to serious health problems. They are usually not painful, but they might itch. That’s why people, if desired, remove them for cosmetic reasons only. But that’s not how it should be.
Seborrheic keratoses aka infection barnacles on humans are harmless but should be treated earlier. This blog will cover everything about skin barnacles on humans or seborrheic keratosis and why you should consult a doctor early on if you get this disease.
What do Skin Barnacles on Humans Look Like?
Barnacles on skin, also called seborrheic keratoses, are harmless, wart-like growths that can show up on any part of the skin except the palms and soles. They are usually brown, black, or light tan and have a waxy or scaly, slightly raised appearance. These growths develop slowly and grow eventually, often on the face, neck, chest, or back. While these infection barnacles on humans are not dangerous, you might want to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause irritation.
Can Barnacles Grow on Humans?
Yes, they do grow on humans. You can spot them through analyzing the symptoms of barnacles of humans. Let’s talk about them below.
Visual Symptoms
Patients start to get round or oval bumps. These are typically waxy or rough, found on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. They appear to be flat or raised growths. It means they often come with a scaly surface, they have a characteristic pasted appearance. The size variation ranges from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. Talk about its color, it’s light tan to brown or black. Not only that, it has clustered small growths. A human barnacle on face is sometimes referred to as flesh moles (common on Black or brown skin).
Rare Physical Symptoms
Pain is extremely rare, but possible. If present, get a quick medical consultation as it may indicate something more serious. You get swelling and maybe Inflammation, causing a swollen appearance. Because of tenderness, the inflamed nasty barnacles on humans may feel tender but are usually harmless. It can become irritated, especially when rubbed by clothing, resulting in itching. As barnacles on humans grow older, they become hard and waxy. This may cause some discomfort, especially if they are in areas that rub against other surfaces.
Associated Conditions
Although cancerous transformation is rare, seborrheic keratosis can transform into a cancerous growth (squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. It happens to those with weak immune systems. This requires close monitoring by a dermatologist. Sometimes a skin biopsy is performed to kill malignancy, though diagnosis is often visual. That’s why regular observation is important to find any atypical changes early. If any of the warning signs or discomfort remains, you should get medical consultation at our Abu Dhabi medical center.
Potential Warning Signs
Some potential signs include ulceration that is the presence of sores around the growth. Because of excoriations, you get scratch marks on or near the barnacles. You get redness or more of an unusual redness around the area. Sometimes it also results in bleeding on or around the growth.
Difference Between Age Spots and Barnacle Spots
Now that we’ve covered the question ‘can barnacles grow on humans’, let’s learn something interesting about them. Nasty barnacles on humans and wisdom spots, or age spots, are melanin pigmentation related to aging and sun exposure. Below we tell you the differences and similarities:
Aspect | Barnacles on Skin | Age Spots / Skin Wisdom Spots |
| Definition | Harmless skin growths caused by keratin buildup, also known as seborrheic keratosis. | Flat areas of melanin pigmentation, often darker than the surrounding skin, done by excessive sun exposure. |
| Appearance | Warty, rough, or scaly texture. They can be raised or flat. Color varies from light to dark brown or even black. | Smooth and flat. They have uniform pigmentation, usually in shades of light to dark brown. |
| Causes | Genetics mainly decide the condition, while aging also contributes to it. | Sun exposure combined with aging. No authentic genetic link. |
| Nicknames | Its real name is seborrheic keratosis. Commonly known term or nickname is skin Barnacles. | Called age spots or skin wisdom spots due to their relation with aging. |
| Parts Where They Occur | A human barnacle on face, chest, back, shoulders, and other parts occur when exposed to sun. | Body parts that are exposed to sun such as hands, face, shoulders, and other areas. |
| Harmless or Harmful | Harmless, non-cancerous growths. Rarely require medical attention unless they cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. | Harmless and non-cancerous, purely cosmetic in nature. |
| Mistaken For | Often mistaken for moles, warts, or even early signs of melanoma (skin cancer). | Can be confused with freckles or other types of pigmentation changes. |
| Treatment | Removed for cosmetic reasons using methods like cryotherapy, laser treatment, or minor surgical procedures. | Typically untreated unless for cosmetic reasons. They can be lightened with topical treatments or lasers. |
Different Causes of Barnacles on Skin
Now that we have learned its symptoms, let’s talk about the causes of skin barnacles. Below are some of the reasons a person could get skin barnacles.
Exposure to UV Radiation
Seborrheic keratosis, also known as skin barnacles, isn’t directly caused by sun damage, but there is some link between UV exposure and these growths. They often appear more on areas of the skin that get sunlight, like the face, arms, and hands. However, nasty barnacles on humans can also develop on parts of the body that are usually covered, so sunlight isn’t the only reason they form. Spending a lot of time in the sun or using tanning beds may increase the risk, but it is not the only cause.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, some people may notice the development of seborrheic keratosis. This can happen because hormonal changes affect skin health. Although it’s uncommon, these growths may appear or become larger in some pregnant individuals. The exact reason for this is not fully understood, but it likely relates to changes in the body during pregnancy that impact how skin cells grow and regenerate.
Genetic Factors
One of the main causes of seborrheic keratosis is genetic factors. This condition often runs in families, which shows that it can be inherited. If someone has a close relative with seborrheic keratosis, they are more likely to get it too. While the specific genes involved are not clear, it’s evident that having a family history is important. People with relatives who have these growths usually develop more of them and at a younger age.
Sunlight Exposure
Long-term exposure to sunlight is linked to more cases of seborrheic keratosis, also known as barnacles on skin. However, these growths can appear in both areas that get a lot of sun and those that do not. UV rays may contribute to the growth of abnormal skin cells, leading to these growths over time. Still, many people develop skin barnacles in places that receive little to no sunlight, indicating that other factors are also involved.
Chronic Friction
Rubbing or friction on the skin, especially in areas where skin folds or clothing often rub, may cause seborrheic keratosis. This could explain why these growths are common on the neck, under the arms, or on the torso. The constant irritation in these areas might lead to abnormal growth of skin cells, resulting in the formation of barnacles.
Viral Exposure
In the past, some researchers suggested that viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) might be related to seborrheic keratosis. However, this idea is not widely accepted anymore. While some viral infections can cause different skin growths, there is no strong evidence linking HPV to these infection barnacles on humans. Most current research does not support a strong connection between virus exposure and the development of seborrheic keratosis.
Diagnosis of Skin Barnacles
To diagnose seborrheic keratosis, a dermatologist usually looks at the affected skin. These growths often have a waxy, stuck-on appearance, which makes them easy to recognize. If the doctor has any doubts or worries about a possible skin cancer, they may use a tool called dermoscopy. This tool helps them see the area more clearly by magnifying and lighting it up.
When doctors think someone might have melanoma, they may take a sample of the skin. They do this to check the tissue under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis.. To tell seborrheic keratosis apart from melanoma, remember that seborrheic keratoses usually appear in clusters, have a textured surface, and have well-defined borders. In contrast, melanoma is often a single spot that is smooth, asymmetrical, has multiple colors, and can change quickly.
Treatment of Skin Barnacles on Humans
Skin barnacles, also known as seborrheic keratosis. They are benign skin growths that come with age. Although they are harmless, some people choose to remove them due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort. It’s best that you seek a professional for seborrheic keratosis treatment.
Laser and IPL Treatments
Stellar M22 IPL: This treatment uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove dark spots and blood vessel marks on the skin. It effectively lightens the appearance of barnacles.
ResurFX Fractional Laser: This treatment increases the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin texture on both the surface and deeper skin layers. It effectively addresses age spots and skin texture problems in a single session. The treatment reduces pigmentation and improves skin texture, making it a great choice for anyone seeking overall skin rejuvenation.
Microdermabrasion
In the Microdermabrasion method, doctors do the exfoliation of the top layer of the skin to eliminate barnacles. The results depend on the age and depth of the growth. It may be more beneficial for newer or smaller barnacles, but its effectiveness on larger, thicker lesions may be limited. It’s essential to discuss expected results with your healthcare provider, as microdermabrasion may not completely remove thicker growths.
Chemical Peels
Thinner and flatter skin barnacles can be treated with chemical peels, which resurface the skin by causing the top layers to peel off. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is frequently used for this type of treatment. The success of chemical peels depends on the barnacle’s size and thickness. Medical professionals must evaluate the lesion beforehand to ensure it’s suitable for this approach.
Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
A cold liquid nitrogen solution is applied to freeze the barnacle, causing it to fall off over time. Thinner, less raised growths. This method may not be as effective on thicker barnacles. Loss of pigment in the treated area, especially in darker skin tones, is a potential risk.
Shave Excision
This procedure involves the use of a sterile razor to shave off the barnacle. Local anesthesia is applied to the area to numb the skin. Ideal for nasty barnacles on humans that are slightly raised but not overly thick.
Curettage
The barnacle is physically removed using a curette (a scoop-like instrument). Sometimes used alongside cryotherapy or electrocautery to completely remove the lesion.
Electrocautery
Involves burning the barnacle with an electrical current. The area is numbed beforehand to minimize discomfort. Thicker barnacles, and can be combined with scraping or curettage for complete removal. Allows for precise removal of the growth, though there may be a small risk of scarring.
Ablative Laser Treatment
Doctors use a laser to remove the top layer of skin containing the barnacle. Research suggests laser therapy is a more advanced method than cryotherapy, with fewer risks of hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) post-treatment.
Conclusion
Seborrheic keratosis, often called skin barnacles, is a harmless skin condition. But it can still give you discomfort or aesthetic concerns. So if you have irritation or want to remove these growths for cosmetic or other reasons, consult medical consultation prior to that. The dermatologist will confirm your diagnosis and find the best seborrheic keratosis treatment option. Keep in mind that treatments like cryotherapy or electrocautery can have side effects, including scarring or changes in skin color. Some methods, such as laser therapy or chemical peels, may require several sessions for complete removal.
At our CMC dermatology clinic in Abu Dhabi, you get dermatologists who provide expert care and a variety of treatment options designed for your needs. Just contact us and schedule your consultation to get the best treatment.
FAQs
What is the main cause of seborrheic keratosis?
Doctors often say they are not sure what causes seborrheic keratosis. However, it likely has a genetic component, as some genetic mutations are linked to the condition. Additionally, sun exposure and changes in estrogen levels may also be connected to seborrheic keratosis.
How do you get rid of seborrheic keratosis?
You can treat growths on the skin using different methods. One way is Cryotherapy, which freezes off the growth. Another method is Electrosurgery, where an electrical current removes the growth. There is also curettage, which uses a special tool to scrape the growth off the skin. In some cases, doctors may use both Electrosurgery and curettage together.
What happens if seborrheic keratosis is left untreated?
Seborrheic keratosis is not dangerous and usually does not need treatment. However, it can look like melanoma, which is a serious type of skin cancer. If you notice a human barnacle on face or any part of the body, it’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist.
What foods trigger seborrheic keratosis?
There are no strong clinical studies, but some people with seborrheic dermatitis might benefit from a yeast and mold elimination diet. This diet involves removing foods such as bread, cheese, wine, beer, and high-carbohydrate foods that are made with yeast or fungi.
What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic keratosis?
Studies have found that proteins connect vitamin D to skin keratosis (SK) problems. Vitamin D affects SK through cell signaling. In conclusion, vitamin D is important for SK.
Can I remove seborrheic keratosis myself?
For at-home care, you can use over-the-counter topical products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, urea, or vitamin A derivatives like tazarotene. These can help exfoliate or reduce the thickness of lesions. However, home remedies are not likely to fully treat the condition. If lesions become irritated, bleed, or change, see a dermatologist quickly to rule out cancer or to discuss professional treatments like cryotherapy or shave excision.
What is the best treatment for keratosis?
To effectively treat keratosis pilaris, combine skin exfoliation, moisturizers, and laser treatments. It may take time, and you might need to use these treatments consistently for 4 to 6 weeks to see results.
Does vitamin D help keratosis?
Vitamin D levels in the blood can show how much sun exposure a person has had, especially from ultraviolet B radiation. This information is useful for people at risk of developing actinic keratosis. To keep vitamin D levels healthy without spending too much time in the sun, it is better to take vitamin D through food or supplements.
Is Vaseline good for keratosis?
Moisturizers that you can buy without a prescription and contain lanolin, petroleum jelly, or glycerin are the best options. These ingredients help keep moisture in and make the skin softer. Apply these moisturizers to the affected skin several times a day.
Does vitamin C help keratosis?
Keratosis pilaris, which can be caused by not getting enough vitamin C, usually appears after three to five months of low intake. It can go away with vitamin C supplements.
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