Seborrheic Keratosis
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Seborrheic Keratosis - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Dec 06, 2025
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Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a very common, usually benign skin growth that many people find cosmetically bothersome or irritating. While these lesions are non-cancerous, they can appear suddenly, multiply over time, and sometimes itch, catch on clothing, or bleed if scratched.

Conventional medical treatments can remove SKs quickly in a dermatologist’s office. However, some people prefer to explore gentler home remedies and natural support, especially for cosmetic concerns or when lesions are small and stable.

The information below reviews what seborrheic keratosis is, how doctors typically treat it, and the most commonly discussed natural and at-home approaches, including apple cider vinegar, castor oil, aloe, tea tree oil, honey, and supportive nutrients. These remedies are based largely on traditional use and anecdotal reports.

CRITICAL MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Seborrheic keratosis can sometimes resemble more serious skin conditions, including melanoma (skin cancer). It is essential to consult a dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis before attempting any home treatment. The remedies on this page are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis

  • Appearance: SKs are typically brown, tan, black, or flesh-colored growths that look “stuck on” the skin. They can be smooth, waxy, or rough and scaly.
  • Location: They may occur on the face, chest, back, shoulders, or other areas, often increasing with age.
  • Benign but bothersome: Most SK lesions are harmless, but they can itch, catch on clothing or jewelry, or cause cosmetic concern.
  • Warning signs: Sudden changes in size, color, border, bleeding, or pain should always be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.

If you are unsure whether a lesion is truly seborrheic keratosis, do not attempt home removal before getting a professional diagnosis.

Conventional Medical Treatments

Dermatologists have several quick in-office procedures to remove seborrheic keratoses. These methods are generally safe and effective when performed by a trained professional:

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen so it crusts and falls off.
  • Curettage: Gently scraping the lesion off the skin’s surface, sometimes combined with cautery.
  • Electrocautery: Using electric current to heat and destroy the lesion.
  • Topical prescription therapies: In some cases, prescription topical agents may be used under medical supervision.

These approaches are appropriate for people who want predictable, quick removal, especially for lesions that are large, irritated, or cosmetically significant.

Top Home Remedies for Seborrheic Keratosis

There is no guaranteed home cure for seborrheic keratosis, and most evidence for natural remedies comes from traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than formal clinical trials. However, many Earth Clinic readers and natural health practitioners have explored the following options.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most frequently mentioned home remedies for SK on Earth Clinic. It is believed to work by using its natural acetic acid content to help break down the excess keratin in the lesion so that it gradually dries, darkens, and may flake or fall off.

A common method is to dilute ACV with water (for example, 1:1) and apply it to the lesion with a cotton ball or Q-tip once or twice daily, avoiding healthy surrounding skin. Some people use it undiluted or under a bandage for short periods, but this greatly increases the risk of irritation or burns.

Important: ACV is acidic and can cause significant skin irritation or chemical burns if left on too long or used too frequently. Always patch test first, begin conservatively, and stop if you notice blistering, intense burning, or worsening redness.

For detailed instructions, precautions, and reader stories specifically on ACV, see Earth Clinic’s dedicated article: Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis.

2. Castor Oil (Alone or with Baking Soda)

Castor oil is a thick, emollient oil with mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some people find that applying castor oil to SKs softens the lesion over time and may reduce roughness or irritation.

  • Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to the lesion once or twice daily.
  • Some people mix castor oil with a pinch of baking soda to form a paste and apply it as a spot treatment at night.

While results vary, this remedy is generally gentle and may be better tolerated by those with more sensitive skin than stronger acids.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used topically for various benign skin growths and lesions.

  • Always dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil). A common starting dilution is 1–2 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
  • Apply the diluted oil to the lesion once or twice daily and observe for irritation.

Tea tree oil is potent and can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, so it should never be applied undiluted to the skin.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is well known for its soothing, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. While it may not directly dissolve SKs, some limited research suggests aloe can support skin healing and may help improve texture or irritation around lesions.

  • Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the SK once or twice daily.
  • Use as a soothing aftercare remedy if you have tried stronger topical treatments like ACV.

5. Honey (Manuka or Tualang Honey)

Certain medicinal honeys, such as manuka honey and Tualang honey, are known for their wound-healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. While not proven to remove SKs, they may support healthier skin and help soothe irritated lesions.

  • Apply a thin layer of medical-grade honey directly to the lesion and cover with a small bandage if desired.
  • Leave on for 30–60 minutes, then gently rinse; repeat daily or several times per week.

6. Turmeric (Alone or with Sandalwood)

Turmeric is a traditional anti-inflammatory herb rich in antioxidants. It is often combined with sandalwood powder or oil in traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian skin remedies.

  • Mix turmeric powder with a little water or aloe gel to form a paste, or combine turmeric with sandalwood powder.
  • Apply to the lesion for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off. Use 1–3 times per week.

Turmeric can temporarily stain the skin and clothing a yellow-orange color, so use old towels and clothing during application.

7. Other Topical Plant Extracts

A number of plant-based ingredients have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or wound-healing properties that may support overall skin health around SK lesions. These include:

  • Green tea extract
  • Licorice extract
  • Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
  • Sandalwood oil (always diluted in a carrier oil)

These are usually best thought of as supportive skin-care ingredients rather than primary removal methods for seborrheic keratosis. Any new topical product should be patch tested first to check for sensitivity.

Nutritional and Internal Support

Because seborrheic keratoses are largely related to age, genetics, and cumulative sun exposure, topical remedies alone may have limited impact. Some people focus on overall skin and immune health through diet and supplements, with the goal of supporting healthier skin over time.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and fish oil supplements, omega-3s support healthy skin barriers and help modulate inflammation.
  • Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D levels are important for skin and immune health. Prescription topical vitamin D analogs (such as calcipotriol) have been studied for certain skin conditions under medical supervision.
  • Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that supports skin integrity and recovery from irritation.
  • Vitamin A and carotenoids: Important for skin turnover and repair; both deficiency and excess can be problematic, so use supplements cautiously.
  • Zinc and selenium: Trace minerals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles that may support overall skin health.
  • Polyphenol-rich foods and herbs: Green tea, resveratrol-containing foods (grapes, berries), Kakadu plum, and similar plants provide antioxidant compounds that may be beneficial as part of a nutrient-dense diet.

Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you take prescription medications or have chronic health conditions.

Prevention and Supportive Skin Barrier Care

As SKs are linked to chronic sun damage and skin aging, the best long-term strategy involves prevention and maintaining a robust skin barrier:

  • Consistent Sun Protection: This is the single most important preventative measure. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, wear sun-protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours.
  • Daily Moisturizing: Regularly applying high-quality moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal can support the skin's natural barrier, potentially reducing irritation and improving the texture of existing SKs.
  • Understanding Risk: SKs tend to appear after age 50 and run in families. If you have a family history, be extra diligent with sun protection and monitor your skin regularly.
  • Address Chronic Inflammation: Systemic inflammation can exacerbate many skin conditions. Diet and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing inflammation may provide general support for skin health.

Safety, Side Effects, and When to See a Doctor

  • Never assume that a new or changing lesion is benign SK. Get a proper diagnosis first.
  • Stop any remedy that causes intense burning, blistering, spreading redness, or pain.
  • Avoid using strong acids or essential oils on eyelids, lips, genitals, or inside the nose.
  • Do not pick, cut, or shave off lesions at home; this can cause infection and scarring.
  • Seek medical care promptly if a lesion:
    • Changes rapidly in size, color, or shape
    • Develops irregular or notched borders
    • Bleeds, oozes, or becomes very painful
    • Looks significantly different from your other SK lesions

Additional Tips

Natural approaches to seborrheic keratosis often require consistency and patience. Some people notice changes within a few weeks, while others see little or no improvement.

  • Start with the gentlest remedies first (such as aloe, diluted ACV, castor oil, or honey) before trying stronger acids or essential oils.
  • Work on overall skin health through a nutrient-rich diet, good hydration, and sun protection.
  • Some individuals focus on deeper wellness strategies, such as herbal detox teas (for example, Essiac tea) or castor oil packs over the liver, as part of a broader approach to skin and immune health. These methods are traditional and largely anecdotal; always discuss them with your practitioner.
  • Consider medical removal if lesions are numerous, very large, frequently irritated, or cosmetically distressing.

Conclusion

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin condition that can be addressed in several ways. Dermatologic procedures offer fast, predictable removal, while natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, castor oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, honey, and supportive nutrients are sometimes used by those who prefer a home-based approach.

Because most natural treatments for SK are supported by limited scientific data and mainly anecdotal reports, it is wise to proceed cautiously, pay attention to how your skin responds, and keep your dermatologist informed of any changes.

Do you know of any natural remedies for seborrheic keratosis? We would love your feedback. Keep reading below to discover how Earth Clinic readers have successfully managed seborrheic keratosis using home remedies, and please share your own experience in the comments.

Relevant Resources

  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 di 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 (ACV): 9 Top Uses & Health Benefits
Skin Condition Remedies
Tea Tree Oil: A Potent Natural Health Aid
Unlock Castor Oil Benefits: Guide to Hair Growth, Pain Relief, & More!

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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Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Daniel (Toronto) on 04/30/2023
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis

This works. My doctor first suggested cutting it off. I asked to try freezing it which she did, saying it would probly take a couple of treatments to completely remove it because of the size. It worked for the most part but there was still some it remaining. I never bothered to go back but instead tried the ACV which I read about. I dabbed my SK, which was on my scalp, 2-3 times a day with a Q-tip saturated with ACV. In a week it started to dry out and get a little crumbly on the edges which gave me hope it was doing something. Within the next week little pieces could be picked off, and it quickly resembled a small scab that eventually came off. 2-3 weeks of ACV and it was gone. I'm astonished at how well it worked to be honest. Why doctors don't recommend this is a mystery. Somebody needs to do a study to confirm what so many of us already know by experience.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by RB (Somewhere in Europe) on 04/20/2022 93 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

There was a Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) in the center of my forehead that - under magnification - looked a bit like a cauliflower - similar to the image I am attaching to this post. While its diameter was only 3 mm, it was not only ugly, but it was also growing, pretty aggressively, at the rate of 0.5 mm per month.

Initially I tried the Band-Aid Method. For a couple of weeks I covered my SK with one of the sticky parts of a Band-Aid, so the air couldn't get to it. On the positive side, my SK did regress. However, on the negative side A) I had to wear the tape all day, and B) this Band-Aid Method was not fast enough or me.

So I bought some (organic, unsulfured, 5%) Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and, for exactly 11 days, I applied it with a Q-Tip, 3 to 6 times per day.

I could tell right away that the ACV Method was working on my SK. Almost immediately my SK began to shrink and turn from light brown to black. As a function of time, my SK kept getting smaller and darker. And then, on day 11 of this ACV treatment, my SK simply dropped off, or peeled off, leaving behind nothing but perfectly healthy skin. There was no crater, indentation, and or pain.

All in all, this ACV Method was a true miracle of a treatment. It saved me from cryosurgery and or the scalpel of a dermatologist.

Therefore I wholeheartedly recommend the ACV Method; I am glad that I tried it; and of course it doesn't hurt to try it. However, please keep in mind that the diagnosis of SK is not enough; there are 10 or so different kinds of SK; and the ACV Method will not work on every kind of SK.

I hope someone will be able to use this!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Paul (Milwaukee) on 06/25/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Unbelievable I am so happy!

My Seborrheic Keratosis WAS located on my scalp above my right temple and was starting to show through my hair line. Over the last two years it has grown from dime size to a monstrous half-dollar sized ugly brown spot.

I set up a dermatologist appointment but he was booked for over a month so I still would be waiting two more weeks until the removal appointment. Being impatient I started doing research and found this site with all the reviews about removing the seborrheic keratosis with apple cider vinegar.

I applied the Apple Cider Vinegar that I found in our cabinet and started applying it with a Q-Tip 3-4 times per day.

It has been a bit over two weeks of treatment and literally like 10 minutes ago I went into the bathroom to check it out because it felt itchy and about 80% of the seborrheic keratosis just peeled off my head leaving behind perfectly healthy skin underneath.

A truly miracle of a treatment. Saved me hundreds of dollars and hair loss from the treatment the dermatologist would have done.

100% recommended. I literally can't believe it. I never do holistic medicine or at home remedies. Glad I tried it!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Steve (Durham, UK) on 03/04/2018
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had one large area of Seborrhoea Keratosis on my face for nearly 20 years, growing slowly att the time, another one appeared above my eye brow last year, growing quickly. I had them both checked out by my Doctor and specialist, not harmful and no real treatment.

I read about Apple Cider Vinegar and started to apply with a cotton wool ball twice a day, the new growth above the eye brown completely disappeared within 3 weeks, the longer standing growth, after 3 months, most of it has gone and is probably about 10% of what it was and continues to reduce...amazing results!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Njd (Nj) on 04/16/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Just adding my results here for anyone interested. I had a seborrheic keratosis on the side of my head. It first appeared out of nowhere about 1.5 years ago as what looked like a small flat discoloration (light brown). Over the course of 1.5 years it slowly grew in size, eventually became raised, and the color turned from light brown to dark brown. Like many seborrheic keratosis, it was also bumpy. I went to two dermatologists within a 1 year span to get opinions. The first one said not to bother with it unless it bothered me (at that time it didn't bother me, but as it grew to about 2cm in dia and became darker/raised, it did bother me). The 2nd dermatologist wanted to cut it off. Both said it would scar if cut off and I would not have hair regrowth in that area. It didn't seem to bother them, because they wouldn't be the ones walking around with a nickel sized bald spot on the side of their head. Neither suggested freezing it, or any other alternatives. Cutting/removing was the only way.

Frustrated, I came online to look for remedies. I tried tea tree oil, and that appeared to be working, but it was a VERY slow process. I read on this site about the Apple Cider Vinegar, so that morning I stopped at ShopRite and got a bottle of (their brand, $1.49) ACV. I dipped a q-tip in it and applied it when I could, but on average probably 3-5 times a day.

Literally, within 3 days the seborrheic keratosis had dried up into a scab-like form. By the end of the 3rd day it was partially peeling already. After 5 days, with my help, it came off completely. After, I did scrub it while in the shower to make sure it was all gone. What was left underneath was a reddish spot. At that time I stopped the ACV and switched to Neosporin twice daily. Today is the 8th day since I began with the ACV. The spot is healing nicely. It is still pink/reddish, but I imagine that will take a while to blend in. Will keep an eye on it, but I think I am cured. Very relieved as I will not be losing a chunk of my hair, and the unsightly growth is gone! Hopefully this helps someone else out there! No more anxiety of having to have a bald spot on the side of my head!

ACV, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Salicylic Acid

Posted by Bruce H (Hastings, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) on 03/06/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had a very large (3cm) "verruca seborrehic keratosis" on the back of my scalp and where I am balding. It was dark brown and barnacle like with a cauliflower surface. It caused me no discomfort but family and friends were forever questioning me about this ugly lesion. Because of its size, my skin specialist would not "freeze" it with liquid nitrogen as he said it would require multiple treatments and likely leave me with a cauterised area that would cause more problems than it solved. His solution was excision with a skin graft. I was not too happy with this diagnosis so researched for home remedies such as this site. 3 products were consistently quoted as having success, being Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Hydrogen Peroxide, and Salisylic Acid (over the counter wart remover). The common attribute of these products is "acid" which acts as a "keralytic" I.e it thins the skin on the lesion causing it to loosen and shed. My process was as follows:

  • Daily application, for 4 days, of ACV (a soaked cotton wool pad for 10 minutes), then a paint on of Hyd Peroxide 6% solution, followed by the salisylic acid (wart remover)
  • I waited about 15 minutes between the individual applications.
  • I then left it alone until the dead skin started to lift naturally (about 5 days later) and got wifey to pick the whole scab clean with a pair of tweezers.
  • At this point the ugly was as good as gone but I followed up with 3 more days of ACV and Hyd Peroxide 6% solution to kill off any underlying "root" structure. I did NOT reapply the wart remover as it is a very strong acid and I did not want to damage the good skin re growth.
  • My final product was Aloe Vera to the treated area for its known skin repair properties.

Voila...bye bye ugly...gone... and if it wants to come back I will be ready and waiting.

I would stress that you should clearly identify what sort of keratosis you are dealing with as there are many, and some types may not take too kindly to being treated with acid (particularly salisylic acid).

Cheers and good luck.

Eggplant and Vinegar

Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile , Tn) on 09/02/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I raise my own egg plant and use them to clean up my ole worn out arms of Keratosis. I missed one spot on the bottom of my arm and added the egg plant mixture to that one spot. I covered it with a sealed bandage and left it for a day and a half. I just took the bandage off and the raised spot was still there. I rubbed it and it came off with no resistance. Right down to the basic skin

It is unbelievable. I suggest folks forget ACV to address their skin cancers by going directly to the Eggplant and vinegar mixture.

None of this is original with me. I bought the book several years ago and Dr Cham's ointment cured two of my skin cancers. I decided to Redneck my arms before they turn to cancer and it has worked for me.

Here is the protocol:

  • Peel an eggplant and churn it up with a blender of some sort.
  • Add white vinegar, refrigerate and stir 2X a day.
  • On the 3rd day add this to your eruptions and cover with shrink wrap and an ole sock before bed.
  • Do this several days until the stuff is nothing but mush, and can be rubbed off with your fingers.

Do not tell your dermatologist what you have done, least he take you before the State Medical Board for practicing medicine without a license.

I have been at this site for many years and love ACV , but, it is not in the running with eggplant as far as skin cancer is concerned. Sorry, that's just the way I am. Old and Ornery as most know.

=========ORH===========


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