Effectiveness of a cosmetic device containing a combination of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, urea, and thuja for the treatment of seborrheic keratoses

Efficacy and safety of topical treatments for seborrheic keratoses: a systematic review

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign epidermal neoplasms presenting as waxy, brown to black papules and plaques. Patients often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or irritation. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of topical treatments for SKs. Studies involving any topical medication indicated for SK removal were retrieved from Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane. The final search was conducted on November 9, 2021, and 26 reports met inclusion criteria. A quality rating scheme was utilized to assess evidence quality. Heterogeneity of treatments and outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Topical treatments that yielded a good-to-excellent response include hydrogen peroxide, Maxacalcitol 25 µg/g, BID Tazarotene 0.1% cream, 5% potassium dobesilate cream, 1% diclofenac sodium solution, urea-based solution, and 65% and 80% trichloroacetic acid. Local skin reactions were often mild and transient. Topical hydrogen peroxide showed the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of SKs, although there are no studies to our knowledge that directly compared hydrogen peroxide to current first-line treatments (e.g. cryotherapy or shave excision). The results of this review suggest viable and safe treatment of SK with topical therapies; however, there remains demand for topical treatments that reliably equate or exceed the efficacy of current first-line therapies.Key PointsQuestion: Are safe and efficacious topical treatments for seborrheic keratoses available?Findings: Topical treatments for seborrheic keratoses yield different responses and may be associated with local skin reactions. Topical hydrogen peroxide shows the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of seborrheic keratoses and may be a viable option for patients requesting noninvasive removal. No studies to our knowledge directly compare hydrogen peroxide to current first-line treatments.Meaning: There remains demand for topical treatments that reliably equate or exceed the efficacy of current first-line therapies.

Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common benign epidermal tumor in clinical dermatological practice. This review summarizes current knowledge about the clinical and histological appearance, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of SK. There are different subtypes of SK based on clinical presentation and histologic findings. Several factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and possibly also exposure to ultraviolet radiation, are thought to contribute to the development of SK. The lesions can occur on all areas of the body except for the palms and soles, but the most common sites are the face and upper trunk. The diagnosis is usually made clinically, and in some cases by dermatoscopy or histology. Many patients prefer to have the lesions removed for cosmetic reasons although there is no medical indication. Treatment options include surgical therapy, laser therapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and topical drug therapy, which is currently in development. Treatment should be individualized depending on the clinical picture and patient preference.