My grandpa has these dark waxy bumps on his neck that itch. What are they?

The dark, waxy bumps on your grandpa’s neck are most likely seborrheic keratoses. These are non-cancerous skin growths that are very common in older adults. They often appear as brown, black, or pale growths and have a waxy, scaly, slightly elevated appearance. Seborrheic keratoses can vary in size, typically ranging from a few millimeters to over 2.5 centimeters. They can develop on any part of the body, but are most common on the chest, back, head, and neck.

Seborrheic keratoses have a few hallmark features that can help in identifying them. They often have a waxy or pasted-on look, similar to a dab of candle wax or a piece of clay. These growths might appear singly or in clusters and can be flat or raised, with a rough texture. The color can range from light tan to black, and they often look like they are stuck onto the skin’s surface. It’s important to note that they may sometimes itch, especially if they become irritated by clothing or scratching.