Solar Lentigo vs Seborrheic Keratosis

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Solar Lentigo
Seborrheic Keratosis
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
Flat brown spots from cumulative sun exposure. Completely harmless - but sometimes confused with lentigo maligna (early melanoma).
Waxy, stuck-on growths - the most common benign tumor in adults over 50. Harmless but frequently mistaken for melanoma.
Risk factors
Cumulative sun exposure; Fair skin; Age over 40
Age over 50 (prevalence approaches 100% in elderly); Genetic predisposition (strong familial tendency); Sun exposure may play a role in some cases
Action needed
An age spot that is changing shape, developing irregular borders, or showing multiple colors
Only if you are unsure whether a growth is SK or melanoma

Solar Lentigo

Solar lentigines are flat, well-defined, uniformly tan to dark brown spots caused by cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They are extremely common, appearing on the face, hands, forearms, shoulders, and chest of virtually everyone with significant sun exposure history.

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Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the single most common benign skin tumor, affecting nearly all adults over 60. They appear as waxy, raised, brown or tan growths that look as though they have been pasted or stuck onto the skin surface.

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Does yours look more like solar lentigo?

Quick self-check

Does this look like solar lentigo? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a flat, uniformly brown spot with even borders?

Has it been stable in size and color?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →