A seborrheic keratosis can look like a waxy plaque or small growth near the eyelid. At Experience Care on Montreal’s North Shore, the doctor distinguishes typical benign lesions from those needing further analysis—such as rapid changes, bleeding, irregular borders, or eyelash loss.
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The term keratosis can refer to several types of lesions. This page discusses seborrheic keratosis, a plaque or small growth that is often waxy, rough, or wart-like, and ranges in color from beige to dark brown.
It often has a "stuck on the skin" appearance rather than being deeply anchored, and its surface may feel greasy or waxy to the touch. It is more commonly found on the face, neck, and torso, sometimes near the eyelids. One person can develop several.
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Beige, brown, or darker, slightly raised, with a waxy or grainy surface and clear borders. This is the classic image.
Growth in a few weeks, spontaneous bleeding, recurring crust, pain, or localized eyelash loss — these signs deviate from a simple keratosis.
Simple monitoring if the appearance is typical, local removal if the lesion is bothersome or bleeding, analysis or referral when the appearance is off. A true keratosis opens all three doors; other lesions only allow one.
Symptômes
Seborrheic keratosis is often more visible than painful. Irritation, bleeding, persistent crusting, or eyelash loss requires more caution.
01
The color may vary; what also matters is uniformity and recent change.
02
The lesion may appear raised on the skin or have a warty surface.
03
On the eyelid, the skin is very thin, and the lesion can rub against the lash line or encroach upon the ocular surface.
A patch that itches or gets irritated after rubbing (glasses, makeup, rubbing at night).
The plate can snag on makeup, glasses, or from rubbing.
Minor bleeding after accidental rubbing or scratching — especially if the lesion is raised.
Multiple shades on the same lesion (light brown, dark brown, black) or asymmetrical borders.
Missing or displaced eyelashes at the site of the lesion, or an eyelid margin that appears altered.
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Near the eye, the physician first assesses the appearance, evolution, and location of a plaque before discussing removal.
Dr. Karen Dzolang, family physician
Profiles
These indicators do not replace an examination. They show what makes a lesion more reassuring or more concerning.
Key Indicators to Observe
Four situations, three possible actions
Stable plaque, irritated and rubbed lesion, more pigmented spot, lesion near the lash line — each profile suggests a different approach: simple monitoring, local removal, or analysis before any action.
01
Stable
A plaque or elevation that changes little, without pain, bleeding, or affecting the lash margin.
Signs
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Relatively clear contour
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Slow evolution
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No eyelash loss
02
Irritated
A lesion rubbing against glasses or makeup. Itching, redness, scabbing, or pinpoint bleeding; local removal reduces discomfort and clarifies evaluation.
Signs
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Itching
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Crust or redness
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Bleeding after rubbing
03
Pigmented
Brown or black, sometimes with multiple shades or less regular borders. This profile requires the most attention, as some melanomas can resemble pigmented keratoses.
Signs
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Dark brown or black
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Variable color
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Irregular edges
04
Lash margin
When the lesion touches the very margin of the eyelid, rubs against the lashes, or encroaches on the eye surface. This very delicate area restricts removal options and requires special care to avoid altering the eyelid function.
Signs
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Close to the surface of the eye
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Displaced or missing eyelashes
•
Discomfort when blinking
To Check
01
Surface cells form a visible lesion, often with a raised surface or a different texture.
02
Color, elevation, contours, thickness, rate of evolution, involvement of the eyelash margin — each detail points to a typical lesion or a sign that requires further investigation.
03
Surveillance, local excision, or pathological analysis: the decision follows what the clinical assessment has shown.
Perspective
A seborrheic keratosis can remain stable for a long time or thicken over time. Rapid growth, bleeding, persistent crusting, pain, irregular color, or eyelash loss should be checked, especially near the eye.
An evaluation is useful if a lesion changes, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, affects the eye, or alters the eyelashes.
A lesion that visibly grows in a few weeks, whereas a keratosis usually develops over months or years.
Attention
Blood appearing without scratching the lesion, or bleeding that recurs with the slightest touch.
Attention
A scab that reappears after healing, or a sore that doesn't close — typical of early-stage skin cancers.
Attention
A dull ache, tenderness to the touch, or unusual burning around the plate.
Attention
A very irregular color or asymmetrical borders warrant closer attention.
Attention
Three questions guide the choice: is it a true simple keratosis, does the skin around tolerate a local procedure, and would a biopsy be preferable to removal by destruction?
A true keratosis allows for several approaches. The right choice depends on its thickness, color, and especially its distance from the eyelash line.
Schedule an assessment
Family Physician Trained at the Université de Montréal and a current member in good standing of the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), Dr. Karen Dzolang serves as the medical director of the CARE network. For eyelid lesions like xanthelasma, she helps frame the assessment, possible indications, limits of removal, and situations where another medical opinion might be preferable.
A registered nurse trained in pediatrics at Sainte-Justine Hospital, Karine Charbonneau later specialized in the dry eye clinic. Recognized by her patients for her gentleness, patience, and attentiveness, she supports each individual with precision and care, from the first appointment to long-term follow-up.
With an approach that combines Softness, Transparency and Great Meticulousness, Carolane ensures that each patient immediately feels confident and safe.
Its objective is simple: to make your care experience as comfortable as it is effective.
With a rich nursing experience that began in 2014, Carolane has enriched her expertise with a background in Medical Aesthetic Treatments To offer you the most recent protocols.
Passionate about improving the quality of life, she is entirely dedicated to supporting you with listening and professionalism throughout your career at the CARE clinic.
