Age Spots: Information & Age Spot Specialists

The medical term for age spots is seborrheic keratosis. Unlike other types of warts, age spots—also known as senile warts—are not caused by viruses. Consequently, they are not contagious.

Instead, they are benign skin growths. They are among the most common benign skin tumors.

Age spots are medically harmless but can be unsightly. For this reason, they are usually removed for cosmetic reasons.

Age spots usually begin to develop around the age of 40. Most older adults are affected by them.

Age spots are an age-related change in the skin caused by increased keratinization.

People who have been exposed to high levels of sunlight over the course of their lives are more frequently affected. The warts also tend to form more often on parts of the body exposed to sunlight, such as the face. Despite some opposition to this theory, it is therefore believed that UV light is at least partly responsible for the development of age spots.

In addition, there appear to be genetic factors that contribute to the development of age warts.

Senile warts can vary greatly in appearance; both their shape and surface texture vary widely. They can occur either individually or in clusters.

The diameter of age spots is usually between one millimeter and one centimeter. Their color ranges from light brown to black, though they may also turn pink or red.

Age spots may resemble skin cancer but are harmless © Ratchaneeboon | AdobeStock

A senile wart can be flat or spherical. They usually have a furrowed, smooth, and greasy surface. The term “seborrheic” in the medical name of the wart describes the secretion of sebum.

Age spots most commonly appear on areas of the body that have been exposed to intense sunlight over the course of a person’s life. For this reason, age spots are often

• on the face,
• on the backs of the hands,
• on the back, and
• on the arms

. 

Visually, age spots look as if they were made of wax and had been glued on.

As a rule, age warts do not cause any complications. However, scratching them can lead to bleeding and minor scarring. Age warts generally do not develop into malignant tumors.

Special forms of senile warts include

• melanoacanthoma,
• stucco keratosis, and
• Reader-Trélat syndrome.

A melanoacanthoma is a very darkly pigmented age wart with sharp borders. It is also benign. 

Stucco keratosis is a non-pigmented, often small-spotted, multiple, and flat age wart. It primarily appears on the lower legs and the tops of the feet. Stucco keratosis primarily affects older people who are prone to dry skin.

In what is known as Leser-Trélat syndrome, a large number of age spots—most of which are itchy—suddenly appear. They are a concomitant symptom of other malignant tumors, such as

• bronchial carcinomas,
• malignant tumors of the stomach or breast,
• leukemia.

Leser-Trélat syndrome occurs primarily in older adults but is considered a relatively rare condition.

The causes have not yet been fully elucidated. However, it is suspected that the senile warts are caused by growth factors produced by the tumor.

In this specific form, senile warts appear in large numbers, primarily on the upper body (back).

Even though normal age-related warts are harmless, you should see a dermatologist. They can determine whether it is truly just an age-related wart.

Age warts look very similar to dangerous black skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer (pigmented basal cell carcinoma) and malignant melanoma also exhibit similar symptoms.

A dermatologist can usually diagnose a senile wart at a glance. If there is any doubt, surgical removal of the senile wart is usually recommended. The tissue is then examined in a laboratory. Depending on the findings, further treatments may follow.

The costs of the diagnosis are fully covered by health insurance.

As a rule, the treatment of senile warts is almost always performed for cosmetic reasons.

However, health insurance will only cover the cost of removal if it is medically necessary. Psychological distress caused by embarrassment can also constitute a medical necessity, for example, when the wart appears on the face. A psychological evaluation can provide insight into the medical necessity.

There are various options available for treating age warts.

Cryotherapy – Freezing Senile Warts

Cryotherapy, or freezing, is also a promising standard treatment for senile warts.

Cryotherapy involves a type of “cold burn” of the age spots using extremely low temperatures. The age spot dies as a result of the freezing and falls off on its own after a few days.

If there are multiple age spots on one area of the body, it may be advisable to apply a mild anesthetic to the region.

Complications are generally not expected with cryotherapy.

Surgical Intervention—Scraping Away Senile Warts

Scraping off senile warts is now considered an outdated method. Surgical removal leaves a larger wound area, and healing takes longer. It is usually only used when there is suspicion of a malignant skin lesion.

The procedure is performed with a curette or a scalpel, and anesthesia is usually administered using an ice spray.

Although scraping is often associated with complications, it is still used today.

Laser Treatment for Senile Warts

Laser treatment is also possible for senile warts—just as it is for other types of warts. It is a minimally invasive procedure. The laser is directed at the wart tissue and vaporizes it through the application of heat.

Anesthesia is generally not necessary with this method due to the minimal pain involved. If the patient has multiple age spots, they may be treated in a single session under certain circumstances. However, multiple sessions are generally recommended.

After a short and often uncomplicated healing period, the treatment usually leaves barely visible scars. In rare cases, pigmentation changes may occur at the treated sites after healing.

Conclusion on Treatment Methods for Age Spots

Cryotherapy or laser treatment is generally preferred over surgical removal.

The following applies to all treatment methods: Intensive care of the treated areas is important until the wounds have completely healed. In addition, patients should avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process.

Home Remedies for Senile Warts

Health insurance companies rarely cover the cost of having age spots removed by a doctor. As a result, many patients try to treat them themselves using home remedies.

You should absolutely avoid cutting off or scraping away a senile wart. While there is no risk of infection, doing so creates an open wound, which can lead to inflammation.

Tea tree oil, celandine, and Swedish herbal mixtures are said to help with age warts. The corresponding extracts should be applied regularly over several days or even weeks. This can cause the warts to dry out over time and eventually fall off.

However, before those affected begin self-treatment, a dermatologist should rule out any malignant conditions.

There is no direct way to prevent age spots. You should avoid exposing yourself to strong sunlight throughout your life. However, this is no guarantee against the development of age spots.

Avoid using tanning beds for three to six months after treatment. Otherwise, unwanted discoloration of the treated area may occur.