Cryotherapy versus Hydrogen Peroxide in the Treatment of Seborrheic Keratosis

Abstract

Seborrheic keratosis has a varying degree of pigmentation. In pigmented seborrheic keratosis, the proliferating keratinocytes trigger the activation of neighboring melanocytes by secreting melanocyte-stimulating cytokines. The etiology of seborrheic keratosis is not known. Epidermal growth factors or their receptors have been implicated in the development of seborrheic keratosis. Seborrheic keratoses can safely be left alone, but ugly or easily traumatized ones can be removed with cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, curettage, or shave excision. The present work aims to compare two modalities of treatment for seborrheic keratosis, namely cryotherapy and hydrogen peroxide (30%). Methods: 30 patients with seborrheic keratosis were included in this study. They were divided into two groups, each with 15 patients. The treatment modalities that have been used include cryotherapy and hydrogen peroxide in three different concentrations (30%, 35%, and 40%). Result: The cryotherapy group consisted of 15 patients, 7 males and 8 females. Their ages ranged from 38 to 80 years, with a mean of 56.1 ± 11.4. Clinical and photographic assessments showed complete removal in all 15 patients in this group (100%). As regards the hydrogen peroxide group, this group included 15 patients, distributed among 7 males and 8 females. Their ages ranged from 39 to 90 years, with a mean of 53.9 ± 14.4. Clinical and photographic assessments showed response in only one small superficial lesion in one patient (6.7%) and no response in 14 patients (93.3%). Conclusion: Cryotherapy is an effective, easy, and relatively cheap method for treating seborrheic keratosis.