Brown bumps on the arms, back, and chest. They're called keratomas, and people try to reduce them with over-the-counter treatments, but nothing happens for years. The reason is that the word "keratoma" is commonly used to describe two different skin conditions. They look similar, appear at the same age, and often appear side by side on the same arm—but their nature is different, and the approach to treating them is also different.

In this discussion, Dr. Belov explains the difference between seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratosis, why that 3% anti-inflammatory gel isn't meant for raised growths, and how to distinguish one from the other at home in fifteen seconds—with just one finger, no equipment, no tests.

What's inside:

Finger test in dim light - what are you looking for and how does the sensation differ?
Why a pharmacy shelf won't remove a benign growth: an analysis of five popular remedies
What does a person lose by removing a growth on their own?
Sun zone map: where to look for it in men and where in women
How 3% gel actually works and why skin looks worse in the process
Who shouldn't use this gel and what combinations with regular medications should be discussed with a doctor
Medications and habits that accelerate the appearance of new lesions
A simple at-home method for tracking changes in photographs
Red flags: what to see a doctor about without delay

This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Do not cancel any of your appointments on your own.