Age-Related Warts (Seborrheic Keratosis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Introduction:
- Definition of age-related warts (seborrheic keratosis)
- Prevalence with age and their non-contagious nature
- Location on the skin and potential for removal
- Emphasizing their benign nature and limited cancer risk
What are Age-Related Warts?
- Description of age warts as raised skin changes
- Distinction from contagious warts and inability to develop into cancer
- Common locations: face, chest, back
- Onset after age 50 but possible appearance in twenties
- Also known as dandruff warts or seborrheic keratosis
Causes of Age-Related Warts:
- Unclear cause of age warts
Symptoms of Age-Related Warts:
- Identifying characteristics of age warts:
- Raised appearance
- Possible “glued” texture
- Rapid growth within weeks to months
- Group occurrence
- Dry, scaly, oily, or glossy texture
- Color range from light brown to brown-black
Additional Features:
- Larger and more visible warts
- Slight itchiness
- Occasional inflammation and soreness (rare cases) resolving in weeks
Self-Care Measures:
- Inability to self-remove age warts
- Consultation with a doctor or nurse required for removal
- Prevention not possible
Treatment of Age-Related Warts:
- Non-necessity of removal due to benign nature and minimal cancer risk
- Removal if causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns
- Removal methods: scraping or freezing by a medical professional
- Potential for warts to reappear even after removal
When to Seek Medical Care:
- Situations requiring medical attention:
- Bleeding from the wart
- Notable changes in the wart’s appearance
- Infection of the wart with no improvement after weeks
- Uncertainty about the wart’s nature
Conclusion:
Age-related warts, or seborrheic keratosis, are harmless skin changes commonly experienced with age. They are not contagious and carry a low risk of cancer development. While self-care measures cannot remove age warts, medical professionals can perform removal if needed. Seeking medical care is advised for specific scenarios, ensuring proper management of bleeding, changes, infection, or uncertainty about the wart’s nature.