Seborrheic Keratosis
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Natural Remedies for Seborrheic Keratosis: Home Treatments, ACV, Castor Oil, and Safety

| Modified on May 30, 2026
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Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common, usually benign skin growth that often appears with age. These waxy, raised, rough, or “stuck-on” spots may be tan, brown, black, gray, or flesh-colored and can appear on the face, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, or other areas of the body.

Although seborrheic keratoses are usually harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome, itchy, irritated by clothing, or accidentally scratched. Dermatologists can remove them quickly in-office, but many Earth Clinic readers also explore natural remedies for seborrheic keratosis, including apple cider vinegar, castor oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, honey, turmeric, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, and skin-supportive nutrients.

This guide explains what seborrheic keratosis is, when to see a dermatologist, which home remedies are most commonly discussed by Earth Clinic readers, what changes readers often notice during home treatment, and how to approach natural treatments safely.

Important Skin Cancer Warning

Seborrheic keratosis can sometimes resemble more serious skin conditions, including melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Do not attempt home treatment on any new, changing, bleeding, painful, irregular, or suspicious lesion until a dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider has confirmed the diagnosis.

Natural remedies should never be used as a substitute for medical evaluation of a suspicious skin growth.

At a Glance

  • Seborrheic keratoses are usually benign, age-related skin growths.
  • They often look waxy, rough, scaly, or “stuck on” the skin.
  • Medical removal options include cryotherapy, curettage, electrocautery, and shave removal.
  • Earth Clinic readers most often discuss apple cider vinegar, castor oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, honey, turmeric, hydrogen peroxide, and salicylic acid.
  • Acids and oxidizers can cause chemical burns, scarring, or dark marks if used aggressively.
  • Any suspicious, rapidly changing, bleeding, painful, or irregular lesion should be checked by a dermatologist.
Earth Clinic Experience:

For more than two decades, Earth Clinic readers have shared experiences using home remedies for seborrheic keratosis, age spots, rough skin growths, and similar-looking benign lesions. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most frequently discussed remedies, but readers also report using castor oil, aloe, tea tree oil, turmeric, honey, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, and supportive skin-care routines. These reports are anecdotal and should not replace professional diagnosis.

What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin growth that tends to appear in adulthood and becomes more common with age. SKs may appear as a single lesion or as multiple growths that slowly increase over time.

Typical features include:

  • Brown, tan, black, gray, or flesh-colored appearance
  • Waxy, scaly, rough, or crusty texture
  • A raised “stuck-on” look
  • Round, oval, or irregular shape
  • Occasional itching or irritation
  • Common locations on the face, scalp, chest, back, shoulders, or neck

Most seborrheic keratoses are harmless. However, because some skin cancers can mimic benign growths, diagnosis matters. If you are not completely sure that a lesion is seborrheic keratosis, have it evaluated before trying home remedies.

Seborrheic Keratosis vs Actinic Keratosis, Warts, and DPN

Many people search for home remedies because they see a rough, raised, or dark spot and assume it is seborrheic keratosis. However, several common skin conditions can look similar.

Common Look-Alikes

  • Seborrheic keratosis: Usually benign and often waxy, rough, or “stuck on.”
  • Actinic keratosis: A rough, sandpaper-like precancerous lesion caused by chronic sun damage.
  • Warts: Viral growths that may be rough, raised, or cauliflower-like.
  • Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN): Small dark SK-like bumps often seen on the face and neck, especially in deeper skin tones.
  • Melanoma or other skin cancer: May sometimes mimic a benign spot and requires medical evaluation.

Because these conditions carry different risks, do not apply strong acids, oxidizers, or essential oils until the growth has been professionally identified.

When to See a Dermatologist

See a dermatologist promptly if a skin growth:

  • Changes rapidly in size, color, shape, or texture
  • Has irregular, notched, or uneven borders
  • Bleeds, crusts, oozes, or becomes painful
  • Looks very different from your other spots
  • Appears suddenly in large numbers
  • Occurs on the eyelid, lip, genital area, or another sensitive location
  • Does not behave like your previous seborrheic keratoses

A dermatologist can usually identify seborrheic keratosis by visual examination, sometimes with a dermatoscope. If there is any uncertainty, a biopsy may be recommended.

Conventional Medical Treatments

Dermatologists have several quick in-office options for removing seborrheic keratoses. These are often the best choice for lesions that are large, irritated, bleeding, cosmetically bothersome, or in a sensitive area.

Dermatologist Procedure How It Works Typical Recovery Best Used For
Cryotherapy Liquid nitrogen freezes the lesion so it crusts and falls off. Often 1 to 2 weeks Flat or slightly raised spots on trunk, chest, or back
Curettage and Electrocautery The lesion is scraped away after numbing, then sealed with heat if needed. Often 7 to 10 days Thicker, raised, waxy “stuck-on” lesions
Shave Removal A clinician shaves the raised growth flush with the surrounding skin. Often 5 to 14 days Large lesions or growths needing lab confirmation
Prescription Topical Treatment A dermatologist applies or prescribes a medical topical agent. Varies Selected cases under medical supervision

Medical removal is usually faster and more predictable than home treatment. It also allows a clinician to confirm that the growth is benign.

Top Home Remedies for Seborrheic Keratosis

There is no guaranteed home cure for seborrheic keratosis. Most natural remedies are based on traditional use, reader reports, and topical skin-care logic rather than large clinical trials.

Earth Clinic readers most commonly discuss the following remedies:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Salicylic acid
  • Castor oil
  • Castor oil with baking soda
  • Tea tree oil
  • Aloe vera
  • Honey
  • Turmeric
  • Sandalwood
  • Gentle exfoliation and skin barrier support

Start conservatively, treat only one small confirmed lesion at first, and stop immediately if the skin becomes painfully irritated.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most frequently reported home remedies for seborrheic keratosis on Earth Clinic. Readers typically use it as a spot treatment because ACV contains acetic acid, which may gradually dry, darken, or loosen the outer keratinized surface of the growth.

A conservative method is:

  • Dilute apple cider vinegar with water, such as a 1:1 dilution.
  • Apply only to the confirmed seborrheic keratosis using a cotton swab.
  • Avoid surrounding healthy skin by applying petroleum jelly or balm around the lesion if needed.
  • Leave on briefly at first, then rinse.
  • Repeat once daily only if well tolerated.

Some readers use stronger or longer applications, but this increases the risk of chemical burns, blistering, scarring, and post-inflammatory discoloration.

Apple Cider Vinegar Safety Warning

Apple cider vinegar can burn the skin if used undiluted, left on too long, or covered tightly under a bandage. Stop immediately if you experience intense burning, blistering, spreading redness, bleeding, or worsening pain.

For detailed reader experiences, see Earth Clinic's dedicated page: Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Beyond apple cider vinegar, Earth Clinic readers sometimes discuss hydrogen peroxide for seborrheic keratosis removal and over-the-counter salicylic acid products. These approaches should be treated with extra caution because they can irritate or burn healthy skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Standard 3% hydrogen peroxide is sometimes discussed for surface cleansing, while some online forums discuss spot application of higher concentrations. High-percentage hydrogen peroxide, including 35% food-grade peroxide, is a strong oxidizer and can cause immediate chemical burns, blanching, intense stinging, and tissue damage if misused.

Because of these risks, high-concentration peroxide should not be used casually on skin growths, sensitive areas, the face, or any lesion that has not been diagnosed by a dermatologist.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent, meaning it helps break down thickened outer skin layers. It is commonly sold in wart-removal products, but seborrheic keratosis is not the same as a viral wart.

Some readers report that salicylic acid softens thick, rough SKs over time. However, aggressive use may cause burning, scabbing, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or scarring, especially on the face, neck, chest, or darker skin tones.

Use Extreme Caution With Strong Acids and Oxidizers

Hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, and apple cider vinegar can all damage healthy skin. These substances should never be applied to suspicious, changing, bleeding, or undiagnosed lesions.

What to Expect: Darkening, Crumbling, and Falling Off

Readers using acidic or keratolytic home remedies often ask what a seborrheic keratosis is “supposed” to look like as it changes. Reports vary, but several patterns are commonly described.

  • Darkening: The lesion may turn darker brown or black as it dries.
  • Crusting: The waxy surface may become harder, rougher, or more brittle.
  • Flaking: Small pieces may crumble or flake off gradually.
  • Falling off: Some readers report that the lesion eventually detaches as a crust.
  • Pink new skin: The skin underneath may look pink, tender, or sensitive.

These changes can also occur with irritation or injury. If the area becomes painful, swollen, infected, deeply ulcerated, or unusually dark, stop treatment and seek medical advice.

Fresh new skin is more vulnerable to sun damage and discoloration. Protect the area with clothing or mineral sunscreen after the surface heals.

Castor Oil and Baking Soda

Castor oil is a thick, soothing oil that some readers use to soften rough seborrheic keratoses and reduce irritation. It is generally gentler than acidic remedies and may be preferred for sensitive skin.

Common reader methods include:

  • Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the lesion once or twice daily.
  • Massage gently without scraping or picking.
  • For a stronger traditional approach, mix castor oil with a tiny pinch of baking soda to form a paste and apply as a spot treatment.

Castor oil is unlikely to remove all SKs, but it may help soften roughness, reduce dryness, and make irritated lesions more comfortable.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil commonly discussed for skin concerns because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some readers apply diluted tea tree oil to seborrheic keratoses or similar benign growths.

Tea tree oil should always be diluted. A conservative dilution is:

  • 1 drop tea tree oil
  • 1 teaspoon carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, jojoba, or castor oil

Apply only to the lesion and monitor carefully. Tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions, burning, or irritation, especially when used undiluted.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is soothing, cooling, and commonly used for irritated skin. It is not a strong removal remedy for seborrheic keratosis, but it may help calm redness or dryness caused by stronger topical treatments.

Readers often use aloe vera:

  • After apple cider vinegar applications
  • For irritated surrounding skin
  • As a gentle daily skin support
  • After sun exposure or minor skin irritation

Use pure aloe vera gel when possible and avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, or unnecessary additives.

Honey

Medicinal honeys such as manuka honey and Tualang honey are known for wound-supportive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are not proven to remove seborrheic keratoses, but some readers use honey to support healthier skin around irritated lesions.

A simple method is:

  • Apply a thin layer of medical-grade honey to the area.
  • Cover lightly if desired.
  • Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Rinse gently and pat dry.

Honey should not be used on deep, infected, or suspicious wounds without medical guidance.

Turmeric and Sandalwood

Turmeric is a traditional anti-inflammatory herb often used in skin-care masks. Some readers combine turmeric with aloe vera, water, honey, or sandalwood powder for rough or irritated skin areas.

A gentle topical paste may include:

  • A small amount of turmeric powder
  • Aloe vera gel or honey
  • Optional sandalwood powder

Apply for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. Turmeric can stain skin, clothing, towels, and countertops yellow-orange.

Other Supportive Topical Ingredients

Some natural skin-care ingredients may support the surrounding skin even if they do not remove SKs directly. These include:

  • Green tea extract
  • Licorice extract
  • Centella asiatica (gotu kola)
  • Colloidal oatmeal
  • Calendula
  • Fragrance-free moisturizers

These are best viewed as supportive skin-care ingredients rather than primary seborrheic keratosis removal methods.

Nutritional and Internal Support

Because seborrheic keratoses are associated with age, genetics, skin turnover, and cumulative sun exposure, topical remedies may have limited effects. Some readers also focus on overall skin health through nutrition and internal support.

Commonly discussed nutrients include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Support skin barrier function and inflammatory balance.
  • Vitamin D: Important for immune and skin health.
  • Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that supports skin integrity.
  • Vitamin A and carotenoids: Involved in skin turnover and repair.
  • Zinc: Supports skin healing and immune function.
  • Selenium: Supports antioxidant defenses.
  • Polyphenol-rich foods: Green tea, berries, grapes, herbs, and colorful vegetables provide antioxidant compounds.

Supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications.

Prevention and Skin Barrier Support

Seborrheic keratoses are linked with age, genetics, and cumulative sun exposure. While not all SKs can be prevented, good skin care may help support healthier skin over time.

  • Use daily sun protection: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
  • Moisturize consistently: Fragrance-free moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal may reduce irritation.
  • Avoid picking: Scratching or shaving off lesions can cause bleeding, infection, or scarring.
  • Support inflammation balance: A nutrient-dense diet, good sleep, hydration, and reduced ultra-processed food intake may support overall skin health.
  • Monitor changes: Keep track of new or changing lesions, especially if you have many growths.

Safety, Side Effects, and Aftercare

Home remedies for seborrheic keratosis can irritate the skin, especially acids and essential oils. Use caution and treat only confirmed benign lesions.

Stop Treatment If You Notice:

  • Intense burning or pain
  • Blistering
  • Bleeding
  • Spreading redness
  • Swelling
  • Pus or signs of infection
  • Dark discoloration that worsens
  • A lesion that changes rapidly

Avoid strong home remedies on eyelids, lips, genitals, inside the nose, or any area with thin or sensitive skin. Do not cut, shave, burn, or dig out a lesion at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can seborrheic keratosis be removed naturally?

Some readers report improvement with natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, castor oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, or turmeric. However, results vary, and there is no guaranteed natural cure. Medical removal is usually faster and more predictable.

What is the most popular Earth Clinic remedy for seborrheic keratosis?

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most frequently discussed remedies on Earth Clinic. Readers often describe applying it as a spot treatment until the lesion dries, darkens, flakes, or crumbles. Because ACV can burn skin, conservative use is important.

Is apple cider vinegar safe for seborrheic keratosis?

Apple cider vinegar can irritate or burn the skin, especially if used undiluted, applied too often, or covered for long periods. Patch test first, protect surrounding skin, and stop if burning, blistering, or worsening redness occurs.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove seborrheic keratosis?

Some readers discuss hydrogen peroxide for seborrheic keratosis, but stronger concentrations can burn healthy skin quickly. High-percentage hydrogen peroxide should not be used casually or on undiagnosed lesions.

Can salicylic acid remove seborrheic keratosis?

Salicylic acid may soften thick outer skin layers, but seborrheic keratosis is not the same as a wart. Overuse may cause burning, crusting, scarring, or dark marks, especially on sensitive skin or deeper skin tones.

What does it mean if a seborrheic keratosis turns black?

Some readers report darkening when a lesion dries after a home remedy, but black color can also occur with irritation, bleeding, trauma, or suspicious skin changes. If a lesion changes rapidly, becomes painful, bleeds, or looks unusual, see a dermatologist.

Can castor oil help seborrheic keratosis?

Some readers use castor oil to soften rough SKs and reduce irritation. It is generally gentler than acidic remedies, but it may not remove the lesion completely.

How do I know it is seborrheic keratosis and not skin cancer?

You cannot always tell by appearance alone. A dermatologist can examine the lesion and determine whether it is seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, a wart, DPN, melanoma, or another condition. Any changing, bleeding, painful, irregular, or suspicious lesion should be checked before home treatment.

When should I choose medical removal instead of home remedies?

Medical removal is usually best for lesions that are large, irritated, bleeding, in sensitive areas, cosmetically distressing, or uncertain in diagnosis. Dermatologic procedures are faster and more predictable than natural remedies.

Final Thoughts

Seborrheic keratosis is common and usually benign, but diagnosis is essential before trying home remedies. Once a dermatologist has confirmed that a lesion is harmless SK, some people choose to explore natural approaches such as apple cider vinegar, castor oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, honey, turmeric, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, and supportive nutrition.

The safest approach is to start gently, treat only one small lesion at first, protect surrounding skin, avoid aggressive acids or undiluted essential oils, and stop if irritation develops.

Continue below to read Earth Clinic reader experiences with natural remedies for seborrheic keratosis, including apple cider vinegar, castor oil, aloe, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, and other home treatments.

References

  1. Yagnik, D., Serafin, V., & Shah, A. J. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Scientific Reports, 8, 1732. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
  2. Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50-62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
  3. Feily, A., & Namazi, M. R. (2009). Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review. Giornale Italiano de Dermatologia e Venereologia, 144(1), 85-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19218914/
  4. Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
  5. Balić, A., Vlašić, D., Žužul, K., et al. (2020). Omega-3 Versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(3), 741.
  6. Gupta, M., Mahajan, V. K., et al. (2014). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2014, 709152.

Related Links:

Apple Cider Vinegar Guide 2026: Benefits, Weight Loss & Gut Health
Castor Oil Master Guide 2026: Packs, Pechoti Method & Healing
Skin Condition Remedies
Tea Tree Oil: A Potent Natural Health Aid

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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35% Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda Paste

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Posted by Katherine (California) on 07/01/2024

I have had a keratosis (diagnosed by many doctors) on my face next to my eye for over 20 years. I have a newer red spot below my eye that I have treated with 3% H202 and apple cider vinegar. Both worked a little, but spot wouldn't go away.

So, because I wanted to get rid of that spot I bought 35% H202 and tried it yesterday. It didn't fizz right away. Next I put a Q-tip sized dot of 35% on the keratosis and it fizzed and grew to 3x the size in a few minutes. The peroxide got onto tissue below the keratosis and it fizzed. Then, the area along my cheek bone fizzed all the way to my nose connecting the original keratosis with the new spot. The area was hyper pigmented in between, but smooth. Now it has fizzing blister-like raised spots along the pigmented edges. Reading about skin cancer here, I saw the paste of baking soda and coconut oil. Tried that today. Now whole area is red and swollen, so I sprayed it with Argentin Silver. Swelling has gone down, but need some advise on how to use both 35% H202 and BS paste. … how many times a day, How long to leave on or something else. I have healed myself so many times with remedies here. I am drinking 1/2 tsp BS in 8oz water 7x day for alkalinity. A Dr Sircus recommendation for cancer.

I am only in my second day of discovery and treatment. It is overwhelming! Any advice?

Replied by Liz
(Texas)
03/29/2026

Whatever happened with this? I had a sudden outbreak of seborrheic keratosis after taking ivermectin. I believe it is a parasite related problem. They say they don't know why it happens but it's definitely not parasites LOL so if they don't know how it happens how can they tell me what it's NOT!

The fact that the peroxide made a trail seems to indicate that they are spreading subcutaneously. Interested to hear your response because I will go out and buy some 35% peroxide!

Aloe Vera

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Posted by Sally (Cambridge, England) on 04/02/2019
 ★★★★☆

I had been using Apple Cider Vinegar for months and it didn't really do anything, apart from making it look more inflamed. So I stopped that after about 5 months, and started to use Aloe Vera Gel 99.9% and its natural, use as often as you want. After only a few weeks I have noticed it's flatter and smaller so Im really pleased, I'm hoping it will disappear completely. I would 100% recommend using Aloe Vera Gel its about £6 for 200ml size from any health shop. Hope this helps others that have a Seborrheic Karatosis

Aloe Vera
Posted by Jodie (Western Australia) on 06/19/2017
 ★★★★★

I have had a seborrheic keratosis just below my eye for a couple of years now. It started off looking like a small age spot but over the course of a couple of years it became very large and darker in colour and had a raised crusty appearance. I was becoming very self conscious of it as it really looked worse if I put makeup on it. After trying numerous remedies including ACV which just made it very sore and looked 100 times worse, I decided to try aloe Vera gel. As I had tried so many different remedies I really was not expecting any miracle cures whatsoever.

I started applying the store bought aloe Vera gel about 5 or 6 times per day. After about a week or 10 days I noticed that the keratosis had changed in appearance. It was looking much flatter and slightly blotchy. Being very encouraged by this I began applying the gel more often, up to 8 times per day or whenever I thought about it. I am pleased to say that after another week it is now very pale in colour, and has no raised appearance. I feel confident that with continued application of the aloe Vera that the seborrheic keratosis will go away altogether.

I understand that people have had great results with ACV and I am an avid fan of ACV for other purposes but I believe with a seborrheic keratosis on the face you can remove it much more discreetly with aloe Vera. Just apply and watch it fade away gently.

Replied by Nicola
(QLD)
10/23/2025

Hi Jodie, as we have aloe vera plants growing here on our farm, do you think it would be okay to simply use the gel from within a leaf of that please? I have a seborrheic keratosis on my elbow which is becoming ever more uncomfortable.

Marilyn
(IN)
12/01/2025

Regarding using the gel from an Aloe Vera plant. I have several plants in my home and break off a leaf to use on many different types of skin issues. Have for years. I'd just try I small spot and check for sensitivity.

Bentonite Clay

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Posted by Liz (Texas) on 05/29/2026
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I am successfully removing seborrheic keratosis with bentonite clay in 2-5 days of external application

I broke out in those spots all over the place after I took ivermectin for a few days. Contrary to 'science' I believe they are parasite related

I've tried all the other remedies, ACV worked on a few. I started using bentonite clay to get the silica & as a mask for the eczema on my hands (it's working miracles! ). I randomly put some on a spot - within a few hours it was visibly smaller!!!

The clay dries and falls off the surrounding skin, but seems to grab onto the spot. You have to wash it off, or (as I do) pick it off, taking a good portion of the 'spot' with it. Even being gentle & washing the mud off greatly reduces the spot. I had two large ones on my hip and they are just about gone after 5 days. I apply it a couple times a day, wear my clothes over it & have no issues. Real bentonite clay doesn't stain clothing. I only wear cotton, so YMMV

I haven't seen this suggestion anywhere on the 'net so I thought I'd share it here. I am also detoxing with zeolite & bentonite clay, although I think I'm going to stop the clay as it's kind of gross & doesn't seem to have much more effect than the zeolite. I think I'll just drink zeolite & use the clay externally. I have food grade bentonite, but the clay I'm using externally is cosmetic grade and working great! If you have eczema or dermatitis, try bentonite clay on the rash. It stops itching immediately & is helping the skin heal between daily outbreaks. Wish I could figure out what I'm allergic to.

Please let me know if this helps you or if you want more info!

DMSO, Potassium Iodide, Niacin

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Posted by Lisa (Hawaii) on 01/16/2018
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Several years ago I was diagnosed with seborrheic keratosis in several places, and the Doctor used liquid nitrogen to freeze it. It was very painful and it came back. Next I tried burning it off myself using a soldering iron. It was much less painful but eventually came back, perhaps not as fast as before. So next I used some Chaga tea and extract, I put it on once a day for several weeks which actually made it smaller (NO PAIN) but it didn't completely go away. Next I tried Methylene blue (You can buy this for fish in the pet store to treat fungal infection) I suspected the Seborrheic keratosis is fungal in triggering it because it seems to come out in dark moist areas of the skin, especially on my back because I sleep on my back and sweat at night.

The methylene blue worked well. Just one dose and it dried up and fell off. But eventually came back and I had to repeat it. Since the MB stains I was looking for another cleaner remedy. I tried Garlic cloves, a slice taped to it, and I did seem to make it smaller after a few days of treatment, but I wanted something easier.

Now I tried my best cure yet:

I mixed up DMSO (Pure) with distilled water 50/50 in a 2 oz dropper bottle with 1/8 tsp pure potassium Iodide crystals and 500 mg niacin. I put this on once a day after my shower each eve. It was clean and didn't stain anything. The spots slowly got smaller & after a month are about 1/3 the original size or the smaller ones are gone completely. I am keeping this up until all are gone. I am also going to do some candida detox protocols to get rid of the systemic fungal. It also got rid of my brown liver spots when I used it on them.

Replied by Dee
(Tulsa, Ok)
03/08/2018

Lisa:

I'm assuming that the methylene blue you bought is a 2.3% solution… Did you apply the MB straight from the bottle, or did you dilute it before applying?
How long did it take for the sk to dry up and fall off?

Looking forward to your reply. TIA. :)

Iodine

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Posted by MamaBear (Toronto, Canada) on 01/28/2025
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I used the cheap Iodine 2% purchased from Walmart. Applied every day, twice a day for 2 weeks. It dried up and I can scrape it off using my finger nails. The only drawback is that Iodine stains the skin. My SK is small, the size of a sesame seed, so the Iodine, when applied, is bigger than the SK. I still have the dark 'burn' marks on the skin. Hoping it will fade with time.

Magnesium Oil

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Posted by Beamer (Brisbane) on 03/20/2024
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Magnesium Oil (Magnesium Chloride)

I was using Magnesium Oil on my lower back for pain.

Within 2 days of rubbing it on the growth I had in the same area died and could scrape it off with my fingernail.

It had become a gritty consistency and came straight off. It didn't grow back for as long as I used the Magnesium Oil.

You can make this yourself by dissolving magnesium chloride flakes in water.

Replied by PaintyLiz
(Ft Worth TX)
03/29/2026

Awesome info! I mixed up some magnesium oil never use it. This looks like a good idea! Thanks

Petty Spurge

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Posted by K Benson (Newcastle Nsw) on 09/30/2016
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I have the cure! My Barnacle was on the side of my breast. My GP assured me that is was nothing to worry about and it was not cancerous. The Barnacle began to grow and the skin on it was rough. My bra was constantly rubbing and making it itch. It grew to the size of my thumb nail. I decided to treat it myself with Petty Spurge which I had used successfully in the past to remove warts. After 2 weeks it had fallen off and left only proud smooth skin. There is scar tissue which is slowly healing with the help of Arnica Cream.

If you decide to try Petty Spurge – Be warned, it is extremely powerful!!!!!

One tiny drop twice a day only on the Barnacle itself. Avoid any contact with surrounding skin! I couldn't be happier to be without my Barnacle.

Replied by Kim
(California)
04/06/2017

Where do I buy it?

Replied by Sherri
(Florida)
05/02/2017

Kim,

It is also called Milkweed. I believe it grows wild in CA according to the map. I am in Florida and will have to go buy a plant.

Hope that helps.

Sherri

Paul
(Virginia)
06/10/2025

This is somewhat misleading. According to Grok: Euphorbia peplus is commonly known as petty spurge. It is also sometimes referred to as milkweed due to its milky sap, a characteristic shared with other Euphorbia species. However, calling it "milkweed" can be misleading because true milkweeds belong to a different genus, Asclepias, in the family Apocynaceae, whereas Euphorbia peplus is in the Euphorbiaceae family. The confusion arises because both plants produce a white, milky latex, and the term "milkweed" is sometimes loosely applied to Euphorbia species. However, botanically, Euphorbia peplus is not a true milkweed. Its primary common name is petty spurge, and it's best to use this to avoid confusion with Asclepias species, which are the true milkweeds known for supporting monarch butterflies.

PaintyLiz
(Ft Worth TX)
03/29/2026

Is it actually latex? Because I'm allergic to latex. I'd like to try it but I have a systemic reaction to latex so I'd rather have a spot lol

Replied by Peter
(South Australia)
12/28/2017
★★★★★

We are lucky here in South Australia as Petty Spurge grows wild in many parts of our state.

Be particular and get it to soak into the senile warts and not run down your face or body skin as this is wasteful because you only get a drop from each cutting. It really gets in to kill the root of the wart.

Pine Gum Salve

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Posted by fablevayne (utah) on 01/13/2022
 ★★★★★

For seborrheic keratosis:

Pine gum salve - a mixture of pinyon pine sap and lanolin. Apply. Cover. It was gone in a week.

Replied by Rene
(Uk)
02/24/2022

I would love to know where you get the pine sap and how much you use.I have a great many of the pesky things and wonder if your recipe harms surrounding skin. Is it possible. to treat an area of skin at once. I am quite desperate if anyone else has any ideas. Thank you everybody, this is a great site which I have only just found.

Michael
(New Zealand)
02/24/2022

Hello Rene (U.K.),

Apart from other topical things you might consider trying, I would recommend starting something that works for me. Namely, a daily, high --quality, multi-vitamin and mineral pill which contains a decent amount of Selenium.

It will take several weeks to deliver improvement of course.

Best of luck with this.

Would be nice if you kept us informed of progress, please.

Cheers from Down Under

Karen
(MA)
03/07/2022

I read that too much selenium can cause severe problems, I.e. breathing, etc. I have been eating two Brazil nuts every day. What dosage are you taking?

Irene
(Uk)
04/22/2023

Hello all, Rene here. It is a long time since I last visited this site and I have tried many things for my Seborrheic keratosis, I have hundreds of the things, down my back down my front. The tops of my arms and now in my hair line and in front of my ears. Treating so many is not easy and I have always felt that there must be something going on internally to cause so many. I have been reading about Urotherapy and it took a lot of thought but I decided to have a go. I have been putting a teaspoon of my own urine under my tongue morning and night. Unfortunately my lower legs have broken out in itchy sores but I am taking this as a sign that something is being cleared from my system. If this doesn't work I don't know where to go next…..it has got to work. Doctors don't realise how much it affect your life. I will keep in touch and let you know how I go on.I would be grateful if you will keep me in your thoughts. I need you.

Siobhan
(Gold Coast Australia)
11/12/2025

How are you going with it Irene?

Denise
(California)
03/14/2022

Note about selenium... Brazil nuts have 544 micrograms per ounce... I think way more than anything else. Dr. Berg says Brazil nuts need to be soaked or roasted so that absorption of selenium is not blocked by phytates. If they're soaked it preserves other nutrients in the nuts. However if soaking makes them hard to digest ( like it does for me) you could bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes in a preheated oven.

Best wishes!

Gary
(Kitchener On)
04/22/2023

Hi Irene,

Drinking your urine is a very good start, continue it..You should wash your body with facecloth at bedtime. Dr.Lenard Coldwell is the best natural healer I ever come across. He is on youtube. One of his videos he said that #1 skin fixer is Hemp Oil.

I wish you the best

Gary

Irene
(Uk)
04/25/2023

Thanks Gary, I will certainly look up Doctor Caldwell. I am sticking with the uropathy and my legs are improving. I really feel that there must be something wrong inside for there to be so many keratosis and I have read that uropathy heals everything. I am trusting that this will work.

to your good health. Rene.

Replied by Irene
(England)
05/12/2023

Hello Gary, I would love to say that the urology treatment was going well but unfortunately I can't. My legs have cleared up but I am quite ill at the moment after collapsing while out shopping. Please see my other posting. I had very bad pain in my back and front…never known such agony. I now have lots of pain in my left side and don't know where to go from here. I had to give up on my urology because I don't know whether that was the cause of the problem. I have had another bout of pain since which lasts for hours and I am too scared to make things worse. I am very disappointed because I thought that the urology was going to solve all my problems. Maybe one day. Good luck to others who might try, I would love to hear how you went on. Blessings to all of you who care and are willing to help others. Rene

Mama to Many
(TN)
05/13/2023

Dear Irene, I am so sorry about this ongoing issue and current pain. As I read your post, my thought is, activated charcoal. There is hardly anything safer or more gentle. You can try 4 tablets or capsules twice daily. Take them 2 hours before or after any other medications. Please get plenty to drink, ideally with electrolytes. This helps with all sorts of pain and also helps to remove toxins from the system. I hope you find relief soon. ~Mama to Many~

Fritzie
(SF)
01/13/2024

dear Moma to Many, you should start a page of advice! You have given many helpful tips on Earthclinic over the years. I always perk up when I see you have posted something. Thanks!!!

Rene
(England)
05/21/2023

Thank you mama, I have done that and will see what happens. It is great that people care enough to help each other. I am very grateful

Replied by Rene
(England)
07/25/2025

No help for keratosis.

Here I am again after years of Keratosis,

Vera
(Colorado)
07/25/2025

Hey Rene. I am trying two things that I have found recently that just may do it. (Last month I tried applying sap of a spurge plant, followed up by peroxide and iodine, and it didn't do squat. :-)

Here is what probably will do it (pending actual trial):

1) circle the lesion with vaseline on a q-tip. Then dip another q-tip in 35% hydrogen peroxide (pool stores, or online), people say it's gone in a fortnight. (It's a strong corrosive, care is needed. That's why it's recommended to protect the surrounding skin with the vaseline.)

2) Smash some fresh garlic, apply and cover with a bandaid that circles/encloses the whole area. Someone here (I think) claimed that the SK "sticker" would fall off in 4-5 days. It sounds too good to be true, but what's to lose in trying it?

Will you join me in trying this out and reporting here? I know there is a solution out there, and this may be it. :-)

Replied by PaintyLiz
(Ft Worth TX)
03/29/2026

Would pine tar work? Is it similar? I have a jar of it because I have eczema and I was making pine tar ointment which is really awful to use 🥴

Plasma Device

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Posted by Theresa (Longview, TX) on 11/10/2024
 ★★★★★

Seborrheic Keratosis gone in a few days

I've successfully removed senile warts with apple cider vinegar in the past, but I found an easier solution. A J-plasma device. You "burn" multiple holes in the warts. They turn black, die, dry up, and can be scraped off in a few days. Unlike freezing that the dermatologists do, they will never come back. Handheld J-Plasma devices are available to purchase for less than $100. Will remove moles too.

Replied by Vera
(Colorado)
11/12/2024

Theresa: I cannot find a hand held J plasma device for home treatment. Can you point us to the one you use?

Kim Michelle
(California)
05/28/2025

www.plaxelplasma.com (World Plasma LLC) Wonderful support, online instruction. Expensive but has multiple uses for advanced skin care.

Replied by Fritzi
(San Francisco)
10/13/2025

Castor oil plus Arm & Hammer baking soda mixed into a stiff paste and covered overnight can make one of these detach in a night or two. If not, it can be scraped off with a spoon when soft enough and ready to detach.

Diane Carlson
(Medford Oregon)
03/29/2026

Hi everyone,

My mom has Sk heavily all over. She kept applying hydrogen peroxide. Im not sure how long she did this, but skin on her neck and upper shoulders are smooth and SK free. She was using her for another reason. The skin looks very nice. Hope this be of help .


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