Describe the methods for treating seborrheic keratoses.

First of all, not all seborrheic keratoses need to be treated, and many health plans do not pay for their treatment because they are benign lesions. Patients frequently want them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they are pruritic. The most common treatment is cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, because it is quick and effective. Seborrheic keratoses can also be removed by curetting or shave biopsy. Shave biopsies are usually done when the lesion has an atypical clinical appearance and a malignancy, such as squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma, is in the differential diagnosis. Seborrheic keratoses can also be treated with the topical application of α-hydroxy acids.