Age warts are wart-like growths on the skin that occur in older people. Unlike other warts, they are not viral infections. Accordingly, senile warts are not contagious. They are medically harmless. They usually develop on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.
You can find further information and selected age-related warts specialists here.
The medical term for senile warts is seborrhoeic keratosis. Unlike other warts, senile warts are not caused by viruses. They are therefore not contagious.
Instead, they are benign skin growths. They are among the most common benign skin tumors.
Age warts are medically harmless, but look unsightly. This is why they are usually removed for cosmetic reasons.
Age warts usually only develop from around the age of 40. Most people in old age are affected.
Age-related warts are an age-related change in the skin caused by an increased formation of calluses.
People who have been exposed to high levels of sunlight in the course of their lives are more frequently affected. The warts also form more frequently on parts of the body that are affected by sunlight, such as the face. Despite some opponents of this theory, it is therefore assumed that UV light is at least partly to blame for the development of senile warts.
In addition, there appear to be genetic factors that favor the development of senile warts.
Senile warts can vary greatly in appearance, both in shape and surface. They can appear both individually and in groups.
The diameter of senile warts is usually between one millimeter and one centimeter. Their coloration ranges from light brown to black, although color changes to pink or red are also possible.
Age warts can have similarities to skin cancer, but are harmless © Ratchaneeboon | AdobeStock
An age-related wart can be flat or spherical. They usually have a furrowed, smooth and greasy surface. The term "seborrheic" from the medical name of the wart describes the secretion of sebum.
Age warts occur most frequently on areas of the body that have been exposed to strong sunlight over the course of a lifetime. Age warts are therefore often
can be found.
Visually, age warts look as if they are made of wax and have been glued on.
As a rule, age warts do not cause any complications. However, scratching senile warts can lead to bleeding and minor scars. Senile warts do not generally develop into malignant tumors.
The special forms of senile warts include
Melanoacanthoma is a very darkly pigmented senile wart with sharp borders. It is also not malignant.
Stucco keratosis is a non-pigmented, often small-spotted, multiple and flat senile wart. It primarily appears on the lower legs and back of the feet. Older people with a tendency to dry skin are particularly affected by stucco keratosis.
In what is known as Leser-Trélat syndrome, a large number of mostly itchy senile warts suddenly appear. They are a concomitant symptom of other malignant tumors, e.g. of
Leser-Trélat syndrome occurs primarily in older people, but is considered a rare phenomenon.
The causes have also not yet been clarified. However, it is suspected that the senile warts are caused by growth factors produced by the tumor.
In this special form, senile warts develop in large numbers, especially on the upper body (back).
Even if normal senile warts are harmless, you should consult a dermatologist. He or she can clarify whether it is really just an age wart.
Age warts look very similar to the dangerous black skin cancer. Light skin cancer (pigmented basal cell carcinoma) and malignant melanoma also have similar symptoms.
The dermatologist can usually diagnose an age-related wart at a glance. If there is any doubt, surgical removal of the senile wart is usually recommended. The tissue is then examined in the laboratory. Depending on the findings, further treatment may follow.
The costs of the diagnosis are fully covered by health insurance.
As a rule, senile warts are almost always treated for cosmetic reasons.
However, health insurance will only cover the costs of removal if it is medically necessary. Psychological distress caused by shame can also be a medical necessity, e.g. if they appear on the face. A psychological assessment can provide information about the medical necessity.
There are various options available for the treatment of age warts.
Cryotherapy, i.e. icing, is also a promising standard therapy for senile warts.
Cryotherapy is a type of "cold burn" of senile warts using extremely low temperatures. The senile wart dies as a result of the freezing and falls off by itself after a few days.
If there are several age warts on one part of the body, a light anesthetic can be applied to the area.
Complications are generally not to be expected with cryotherapy.
Scraping out senile warts is now an outdated method. Surgical removal leaves a larger wound area and takes longer to heal. It is usually only used if a malignant skin change is suspected.
The procedure is performed with a spoon or scalpel, and anesthesia is usually administered with an ice spray.
Although scraping is often associated with complications, it is still used.
As with other warts, senile warts can also be treated with a laser. This is a minimally invasive procedure. The laser is directed at the wart tissue and vaporizes it through the effect of the heat.
Anesthesia is not usually necessary due to the minimal pain associated with this method. If the patient suffers from several age-related warts, these can also be treated in one session under certain circumstances. However, several sessions are generally recommended.
The treatment usually leaves barely visible scars after a short and often uncomplicated healing period. In rare cases, pigmentation disorders may occur in the treated areas after healing.
As a rule, cryotherapy or laser treatment is preferred to surgical removal.
The following applies to all treatment methods: Intensive care of the treated areas is important until the wounds have completely healed. Patients should also avoid direct sunlight during the healing process.
Health insurance companies only rarely cover the costs for the removal of senile warts by a doctor. Many patients therefore try to treat them themselves with home remedies.
You should definitely refrain from cutting or scratching away a senile wart. Although there is no risk of infection, an open wound is created. This can lead to inflammation.
Tea tree oil, celandine and Swedish herbs are said to help against age warts. The relevant extracts should be applied regularly over a few days or even weeks. This can cause the warts to dry out over time and then fall off.
However, before those affected start self-medicating, a dermatologist should rule out malignant diseases.
Age-related warts cannot be prevented directly. You should not expose yourself to strong sunlight in the course of your life. But this is no guarantee against the development of senile warts.
Avoid sunbed visits for three to six months after treatment. Otherwise, undesirable discoloration of the treated area may occur.
