Non-invasive treatments and advanced imaging offer effective, low-complication management for seborrheic keratosisNew Technologies and Treatments Improve Seborrheic Keratosis Management

Frontiers in Medicine Published September 9, 2026 Study authors: Sri Nauli Dewi Lubis, Imam Budi Putra DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development

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Key Takeaway

Consider non-invasive treatments like nitric-zinc oxide or TCA to minimize risk of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

This narrative review synthesizes current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for seborrheic keratosis. The authors evaluate both conventional and non-invasive treatment modalities alongside modern imaging technologies to improve clinical outcomes.

Conventional therapies, including cryotherapy, excision, electrodesiccation, and laser, are noted as effective but carry a risk of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. In contrast, non-invasive options such as 30%-50% aqueous nitric-zinc oxide solution with organic acids, 65 or 80% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution, and 0.3% Annona muricata L. seed extract cream demonstrated efficacy with minimal side effects. Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS) technology is identified as a novel treatment with a low-complication profile.

Diagnostic precision is enhanced by tools such as dermatoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), which improve lesion differentiation. AI-based algorithms also contribute to improved diagnostic precision. The authors note that while these advancements offer cosmetically favorable options, the long-term efficacy of non-invasive treatments still requires further validation. These findings suggest a shift toward less invasive options to minimize pigmentary changes while maintaining efficacy.

Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin condition. This review looked at different ways to identify and treat these growths. It compared traditional methods, like laser treatment and excision, with newer non-invasive options and advanced imaging tools.

Traditional treatments such as cryotherapy, excision, and laser therapy are effective. However, these methods can sometimes cause skin discoloration known as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. In contrast, non-invasive options like nitric-zinc oxide, trichloroacetic acid, and Annona muricata L. seed extract cream showed effectiveness with fewer side effects. A newer technology called Nano-Pulse Stimulation is also emerging as a low-complication option.

Better tools are also changing how doctors see these growths. Techniques like dermoscopy and confocal microscopy help tell different skin lesions apart. Artificial intelligence tools are also helping doctors be more precise. Because long-term results are not yet fully confirmed, patients should talk to a doctor to decide which treatment fits their skin type and goals.

What this means for you:

Newer non-invasive treatments and advanced imaging tools may offer fewer side effects for seborrheic keratosis.

Common questions

What are the risks of traditional treatments for seborrheic keratosis?

Common treatments like cryotherapy, excision, electrodesiccation, and laser therapy are effective. However, these conventional methods can sometimes lead to post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, which is a change in skin color after treatment.

What are the non-invasive treatment options?

Non-invasive options include 30% to 50% aqueous nitric-zinc oxide solution with organic acids, 65 or 80% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution, and 0.3% Annona muricata L. seed extract cream. These options were reported to have minimal side effects.

How is technology improving the diagnosis of skin growths?

Tools like dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography help doctors tell different lesions apart. Additionally, AI-based algorithms are being used to improve the precision of these diagnoses.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedSep 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common benign epidermal neoplasm, particularly affecting the elderly. Although non-malignant, it often poses cosmetic and diagnostic challenges due to its resemblance to malignant skin tumors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on the recent advancements in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic approaches for SK. A narrative review of current literature was conducted, focusing on molecular insights, diagnostic innovations, and therapeutic options for SK. Sources were identified through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar over the last decade using relevant keywords. Molecular research has highlighted the role of oncogenic mutations, including AKT pathway alterations and amyloid precursor protein (APP) involvement. Non-invasive diagnostic tools such as dermatoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have improved lesion differentiation. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms have further enhanced diagnostic precision. While conventional therapies such as cryotherapy, excision, electrodesiccation, and laser remain effective, they may cause post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Recent non-invasive treatments, including 30%−50% aqueous nitric-zinc oxide solution with organic acids, 65 or 80% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution, and 0.3% Annona muricata L. seed extract cream have demonstrated efficacy with minimal side effects. Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS) technology emerges as a novel low-complication treatment. Advances in molecular understanding and technology have transformed the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for SK. There is a growing need for accessible, effective, and cosmetically favorable treatment options, especially with rising patient demand. Further research is warranted to validate long-term efficacy and broaden availability.

Non-invasive treatments and advanced imaging offer effective, low-complication management for seborrheic keratosisNew Technologies and Treatments Improve Seborrheic Keratosis Management

Common questions

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Non-invasive treatments and advanced imaging offer effective, low-complication management for seborrheic keratosisNew Technologies and Treatments Improve Seborrheic Keratosis Management

Common questions

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