Despite their name, age warts are not true warts. True warts are caused by viruses, whereas age warts develop without any infectious cause. They are benign growths of the uppermost layer of the skin, which usually appear as brownish, slightly raised skin lesions with a waxy or scaly surface. They occur mainly from the age of 40 onwards, but can also appear in younger people.

The skin lesions may be round or oval in shape, vary greatly in size and often look as though they have been “stuck on” to the skin. Their colour ranges from light brown through grey to an almost black shade. Age warts are found particularly often on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the forehead, cheeks, back, chest, arms or backs of the hands. They grow slowly, are not contagious and are generally painless. However, depending on their location and size, they can be unpleasantly conspicuous or even cause mechanical irritation.

How do age warts differ from other skin lesions?

Age warts can usually be identified simply by their typical appearance. Nevertheless, assessment by an experienced specialist such as Lecturer Dr. Matiasek is essential. This is because, in rare cases, age warts can visually resemble skin cancer, in particular a basal cell carcinoma or a malignant melanoma. To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Matiasek takes a small tissue sample for histological examination where necessary.

Reliably distinguishing between benign and potentially malignant skin lesions is of great importance before any treatment or removal takes place. Where there is any uncertainty, the rule is: better one examination too many than one too few.

The exact causes of age warts have not been fully established scientifically. Genetic factors and a family predisposition presumably play a role. Many years of sun exposure are also discussed as a risk factor. What is certain, however, is this: age warts develop spontaneously and independently of one another, they are not contagious and can be influenced only to a limited extent by external factors such as diet or lifestyle.

From middle age onwards, the frequency and number of age warts increase in many people. In some cases, several skin lesions form at the same time. As they grow slowly and can persist for years, many patients only become consciously aware of them at a late stage.

Even though age warts are harmless from a medical point of view, there are good reasons for having them removed. Removal is advisable in the following cases:

• If the age wart is located in a place where it is constantly irritated, for example by clothing, bra straps or shaving
• If the skin lesion bleeds, weeps or becomes inflamed
• If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis and skin cancer must be ruled out
• If the wart is perceived as bothersome or cosmetically distressing, for instance on the face or décolleté

Before any removal takes place, Lecturer Dr. Matiasek takes sufficient time for a personal consultation. During this, the affected area of skin is carefully examined, the exact diagnosis is made and the appropriate removal procedure is discussed together with you. If there is any uncertainty about the nature of the skin lesion, an additional examination, for instance with a dermatoscope or a tissue sample, may be necessary.

Please inform Lecturer Dr. Matiasek if you regularly take blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin, Marcoumar or other anticoagulant preparations. In some cases it may be advisable to pause this medication for a short time or to change it in order to minimise the risk of bleeding.

On the day of the procedure, you should keep the skin in the treatment area clean and dry. Please do not use any creams, lotions, self-tanning products or make-up on the area concerned. Also take care not to cause any new skin irritation, for instance by shaving, shortly before the treatment.

At Lecturer Dr. Matiasek’s practice, several modern and proven methods are available for removing age warts gently and effectively. Which technique is used depends on various factors, such as the size, depth, location and nature of the wart, the skin type and individual wishes.

Curettage (removal with a special instrument)

With this method, the age wart is carefully removed under local anaesthesia using a so-called curette, a small sharp spoon. This technique is particularly suitable for superficial or soft age warts and generally leaves only a minimal change in the skin.

Laser treatment

Here a precise medical laser is used, which vaporises the wart in a controlled manner without damaging the surrounding tissue. The treatment is particularly effective for well-defined, somewhat firmer lesions and offers pinpoint removal with minimal scarring.

Electrosurgery (also known as electrocauterisation)

Using high-frequency current, the age wart is removed or “burned off” in a targeted manner. This method is particularly suitable for smaller, easily accessible warts and is generally very well tolerated. This treatment is also carried out under local anaesthesia.

Cryotherapy (freezing)

This technique uses liquid nitrogen to cool the affected area of skin intensely. The cells in the age wart die off in the process, and the wart falls off by itself after a few days. This method is frequently used for flatter or smaller lesions and is particularly straightforward to apply.

Before things get started, Lecturer Dr. Matiasek takes time for a personal conversation with you. He takes a close look at the affected area of skin and explains to you which treatment method is best suited to your case. You have the opportunity at any time to ask questions and express your wishes.

On the day of the treatment, the area of skin is first carefully cleansed and disinfected. A local anaesthetic is then administered so that you barely feel the procedure itself. Depending on the method, the age wart is then either removed with a fine instrument, removed with the laser, treated with electric current or frozen. The treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes and is generally very well tolerated.

Immediately afterwards, the treated area is attended to once more, e.g. with a healing ointment or a small plaster. After that, you can generally leave the practice straight away and continue your day as normal.

Of course, you will also receive precise instructions on the correct aftercare. For example, in the days that follow you should keep the area of skin as dry and clean as possible, avoid direct sun and not use any irritating creams. If you follow these recommendations, the skin usually heals quickly and without complications.

As a rule, the removal of age warts is uncomplicated in most cases and proceeds without problems. Nevertheless, mild skin reactions may occur after the treatment. These include redness, slight swelling or crusting at the treated site. These reactions are entirely normal and show that the natural healing process is under way.

Serious complications such as infections or visible scars occur very rarely, especially if the treatment is carried out professionally and you follow the aftercare instructions. At Lecturer Dr. Matiasek’s practice, particular care is taken so that your skin is protected as far as possible.

After an age wart has been removed, the skin may initially be somewhat reddened or irritated. A small crust often forms, which heals by itself. It is important that you keep the treated area clean and do not scratch it. Please avoid direct sunlight on the area and refrain from using skincare products, make-up or perfume in the affected area for a few days.

Where appropriate, you will receive a soothing ointment or special instructions for aftercare. In the vast majority of cases, the skin heals completely within a few days to weeks. Depending on the method, location and individual wound healing, temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in pigmentation or scarring may occur.

The cosmetic result is often visible after just a few days. Once the crust has come away, the skin at the treated site appears smooth and even again. In most patients, a clear improvement can be seen very quickly. Complete healing may vary somewhat depending on skin type, but generally proceeds without any problems.

If you are unsure or have questions about care and healing, Lecturer Dr. Matiasek and his team are available to you at any time.

If you find an age wart bothersome or would like to find out about the right treatment option, we warmly invite you to a personal consultation at Dr. Matiasek’s practice. We look forward to caring for you individually and to finding a solution together that lets you feel comfortable in your skin again.