Advances in Laser Treatments for Seborrheic Keratosis: A Scoping Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Outcomes

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-12-2025

Journal

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

DOI

10.1097/DSS.0000000000004868

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are ubiquitous benign epidermal tumors that prompt cosmetic and symptomatic concerns. OBJECTIVE: To map existing evidence on laser-based management of SKs and identify knowledge gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PRISMA-guided search (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL) retrieved 22 studies (1,492 patients) that met prespecified inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Ablative CO2 and Er:YAG devices achieved single-session clearance in up to 90% of lesions, whereas pigment-selective nonablative modalities (755-nm alexandrite, 1,064-nm Nd:YAG, 532-nm KTP, 585-nm pulsed-dye, 730-nm and 755-nm picosecond) required a mean of 1 to 3 sessions. Recurrence ranged from 0% to 6% at ≤12-month follow-up. Patient-reported satisfaction varied from moderate to high (64%-95%). Adverse events were generally mild and transient (erythema, edema, postinflammatory dyschromia). CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports laser therapy as a safe, effective alternative to cryotherapy, curettage, and electrosurgery, especially when cosmesis is paramount. Standardized parameters and trials that enroll diverse skin types are overdue.

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Student Works

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