Senile warts, also known as "senile warts" or "lentigines", are benign skin changes that occur with age.
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus specifically on age warts on the face. As well as explaining what age warts are, we will also explain the causes of their appearance on the face, their characteristic features and the best methods of prevention and treatment.
Our philosophy at Hautwerk is to provide our patients with all the necessary information so that they can better understand these skin changes and react appropriately.
What are senile warts?
Age warts are pigmented skin changes that occur in the course of life, usually from middle adulthood onwards. They are generally harmless, but can be perceived as disturbing due to their appearance and their tendency to appear more frequently with age. These warts often appear as flat, brown spots on the skin and can vary in color intensity.
Why do age-related warts appear on the face?
The development of age warts on the face can be due to several factors. Here are some common causes:
- UV radiation: Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun is one of the main causes of the appearance of age warts on the face. UV rays can damage the skin and lead to the uneven accumulation of melanin, the pigment responsible for the coloration of the skin.
- Genetics: The predisposition to developing senile warts can run in some families. If your parents or grandparents had age warts on their face, your risk of developing them may also be increased.
- Age: It is important to note that age warts on the face and the rest of the body typically appear with age. The older you get, the more likely you are to notice these skin changes.
Characteristics of age-related warts on the face
Appearance
Age warts on the face and in general often appear as flat, round or oval spots. Their color can vary from light brown to dark brown. Unlike warts, they are usually not raised and are smooth to the touch.
Localization
Age warts on the face can appear in various places, including the forehead, cheeks, nose, temples and chin. They can also appear around the eyes and mouth.
Differentiation from other skin changes
It is important to know how to distinguish age-related warts from other skin changes such as Age spots, freckles and Moles distinguishes. In general, age warts are flatter and larger than freckles, but smaller and less raised than moles. A dermatological examination should always be preferred to self-diagnosis.
What helps against age warts on the face?
Prevention
Prevention of age-related warts on the face starts with protection from UV rays. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly and avoid overexposure to the sun, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun is at its most intense. Wearing sun hats and sunglasses can also help protect your face.
Removal of age warts on the face
If you already have age warts and would like to remove them, there are various options available:
- Laser removal: This is a commonly used method for removing age warts on the face. Lasers work by targeting and destroying the excess melanin in the warts. They are often painless and require little downtime.
- Surgical removal: Large or raised age warts can be surgically removed. This procedure usually requires a local anesthetic.
You may come across even less up-to-date methods for removing senile warts:
- Cryotherapy: This is a procedure in which age warts are removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. It can be effective, but usually requires several sessions.
- Electrocauterization: In this procedure, the warts are cut and removed with an electric current.
Laser or, in rare cases, surgical removal are clearly preferable to these methods. At our clinic, we only offer the latest and safest methods for removing senile warts.
Home remedy
On the Internet, you often come across advice to use home remedies to treat dermatological problems. This is strongly discouraged. Home remedies suggested for the treatment of age warts on the face include the use of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or aloe vera.
We have not yet observed any positive reactions to these products and in the worst case they can damage your skin.
Summary
Although age warts are harmless, they can be aesthetically unpleasant and sometimes cause discomfort. Hautwerk offers removal with the Erbium laser which is gentle on the skin. Other methods such as scalpel removal are selected after a medical diagnosis. A visit to our clinic begins with a professional consultation to determine the appropriate treatment.
Find out more about the Removal and treatment of senile warts.