Age warts

We are all getting older and sometimes accompanied by age spots, also known as age warts. These skin spots are benign and sometimes cosmetically disturbing. Below is an explanation of common age spots and treatment.

Seborrhoic keratosis
Seborrhoic keratosis, also called age warts or seborrheic warts, are benign skin tumours. They often start as light yellow or yellow-brown pigmentations and grow into raised, rough, light- to dark-brown or black spots on the upper layer of skin. The exact cause of seborrhoic keratosis is unknown, but UV radiation, heredity and rubbing of clothing are thought to be involved. Usually, these skin patches are observed in older people and light skin types. They often occur on the chest, back, neck, hands, neck or face. These spots are often benign, but can be perceived as cosmetically disturbing and sometimes itch or bleed. Because of this, it is always wise to check suspicious spots on the skin.

Fibromas
Fibromas, also known as stem warts, are benign skin tumours and are usually small, firm and skin-coloured. In general, they are smaller and firmer than seborrhoic keratosis. Fibromas arise from connective tissue in areas of high friction, such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts and groin. These skin patches are cosmetically disturbing and usually have no symptoms.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra
There is also a variant of benign age warts in Asian- and dark-skinned people, this is called dermatosis papulosa nigra. Dermatosis papulosa nigra are small (1-2 mm) dark-coloured bumps on the face and sometimes occur on the trunk. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by age and sun damage.

Treatment of age warts
Often, age warts are recognised by the naked eye and can be easily removed by a doctor or skin therapist by curettage (scraping away with a sharp spoon), cutting away, cryotherapy (freezing), surgery or burning away with coagulation or laser therapy. Usually, skin patches look cosmetically beautiful after treatment. Preventively, it is important to avoid sunbathing for too long and protect the skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.

Example photo seborrhoic keratosis and dermatosis papulosa nigra