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

Diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is usually straightforward and can often be made based on the appearance of the growth. Dermatologists may use a dermatoscope, a special magnifying tool, to examine the skin’s surface in greater detail. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out any other conditions, especially if the growth has atypical features. This involves taking a small sample of the skin for analysis under a microscope.

Treatment for seborrheic keratosis is not always necessary unless the growths are causing symptoms or cosmetic concerns. Common treatment options include cryotherapy, where the growth is frozen off with liquid nitrogen, or curettage, which involves scraping the growth from the skin. Laser therapy is also an option and can be used to vaporize the growth. These procedures are typically quick and performed in a dermatologist’s office with minimal recovery time.