Epidemiology

Seborrheic keratoses are one of the most common skin tumors.​[1][7]​​​ Men and women are affected equally. The prevalence of seborrheic keratosis increases with age and sun exposure.[3]​ In people with white skin, they are common over the age of 60 years and uncommon under age 30 years. In a survey of workers in Germany, the prevalence of seborrheic keratosis was 1.4% in people ages between 16-20 years, 24.2% ages between 41-50 years, and 66.7% ages between 61-70 years.[9]​ In a survey of female volunteers in Indonesia, the prevalence was 47% in the 20-30 year age group and increased to 59% in the 41-50 year age group and 65% in the 51-60 year age group.[10]​ The trunk and forehead are most commonly affected.[11]

There are many different subtypes of seborrheic keratosis. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a common subtype of seborrheic keratosis which is more prevalent in people with brown and black skin (Fitzpatrick skin type IV, V, or VI). Lesions usually start to appear in adolescence and are usually found on the face, neck, and chest; incidence increases with age.[1][12]​​

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