What are age-related warts?

Age-related warts, the medical term is seborrheic keratoses, are abnormalities of the skin that are common starting in middle age. They vary in color, shape and thickness. Sometimes they are skin-colored or light brown, sometimes very dark: from dark brown to black. They lie on top of the skin and can be flat or bumpy to the touch. Because they sometimes resemble melanomas or other skin abnormalities, they are frequently mistaken for something more serious. The skin therapists at Ivy clinics have a trained eye in distinguishing between benign and malignant skin abnormalities. If necessary, they can refer to a dermatologist.

Age-related warts appear mainly on the face, neck, chest and back. Some people have one; others develop dozens to hundreds. They can also coexist with age spots.

Causes of age-related warts

The exact cause of age-related warts is unknown. Unlike age spots, they are not caused solely by sun exposure. They also occur on skin that has barely seen any sun. Unlike common warts, age warts are not caused by a virus such as HPV. Therefore, they are not contagious. However, these factors do play a role:

• Skin aging – age-related warts almost always appear as age increases.
• UV radiation – prolonged exposure can potentially accelerate the process.
• Heredity – age-related warts may run in the family.
• Skin irritation – friction can contribute to the development or worsening of age-related warts.

Characteristics of age-related warts

• Color: from skin-colored to dark brown or black.
• Size: several millimeters to several centimeters in size.
• Shape: flat, thin or just semi-spherical.
• Texture: can be rough and warty, but sometimes smooth.
• Often multiple present and cosmetically disturbing, but harmless.

Removing age-related warts

Although age-related warts are completely harmless, many people choose to have them removed due to cosmetic concerns or irritation from rubbing with clothing. At Ivy clinics, treatment is available through:

• Plasma technique (PlexR) – Evaporation of tissue with plasma, virtually without scarring.

Free consultation

Do you experience your age-related warts as cosmetically distracting or do you want them removed for practical reasons? Then make an appointment at Ivy clinics for a no-obligation consultation.