OVERVIEW

What are age spots?

Age spots, also known as seborrheic keratosis, are a benign skin condition medically referred to as seborrheic keratosis.

Human skin is composed of many cells, including one type called keratinocytes. Age spots are benign intraepidermal tumors caused by the delayed maturation of these cells and are unrelated to sebum.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Some reports suggest a familial genetic predisposition, while others associate it with sun exposure.

The common manifestation of this condition is the appearance of brown patches or plaques on localized areas of the skin in older adults. Lesions often occur on the face, scalp, forearms, and back of the hands, though other areas may also be affected.

In the early stages, well-defined, flat brown macules with a mostly smooth surface may appear. Over time, some patients may experience an increase in the number and size of lesions, which can merge into larger patches or develop into plaques with a rough, crusted, or papillomatous surface.

Can age spots heal on their own?

Age spots do not tend to heal spontaneously and generally do not disappear on their own.

Can age spots develop into skin cancer?

Age spots typically do not have a tendency to become cancerous. However, in cases of repeated or prolonged irritation (such as friction, pulling, or pinching) or inflammation, lesions may undergo malignant transformation, often preceded by noticeable itching, pain, or ulceration.

In such cases, prompt medical attention is advised. A doctor will determine whether further examination is necessary based on the specific situation.

SYMPTOMS

What are the specific manifestations of age spots?

Age spots often appear on the face, scalp, forearms, and back of the hands, but they may also occur in other areas.

In the early stages, small, flat, well-defined patches with a smooth or papilloma-like surface, light yellow or brown in color, may be observed. Over time, the lesions gradually enlarge and thicken, forming patches or plaques of 1 cm or larger, with a rough, warty, or crusted surface.

Can age spots be identified by the naked eye alone?

Age spots come in various types and may present differently in early and late stages. Additionally, frequent friction or irritation in certain areas can alter the appearance of the lesions. Therefore, age spots can manifest in many different ways and require professional evaluation by a doctor.

Could small flat bumps on the back of the hands be age spots?

Age spots commonly develop on the back of the hands, initially appearing as flat, smooth, or slightly rough patches. If such symptoms occur, age spots cannot be ruled out, and a diagnosis should be confirmed at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital.

At what age is it normal to develop age spots?

Age spots are more common in the elderly but can also appear in younger individuals. They typically emerge after the age of 30–40. Men are more likely to develop them after 40, while women are more prone after 60.

CAUSES

Which groups are prone to age spots? What causes age spots?

Currently, it is believed that those with more sun exposure, a family history, or long-term chronic irritation (friction, chronic inflammation) are more likely to develop age spots.

Are age spots contagious?

Age spots are caused by the slow maturation of skin keratinocytes and are not contagious. If others develop them, it is due to personal or genetic factors, so there is no need to worry about transmission.

Are age spots hereditary? If older family members have them, will I develop them too?

Some studies suggest that certain age spots have a familial tendency, but this does not mean all family members will develop them—only that the likelihood is higher.

DIAGNOSIS

How should age spots be diagnosed? What tests are needed for diagnosing age spots?

The diagnosis of age spots is generally confirmed based on clinical manifestations. For cases where diagnosis is difficult, a skin biopsy may be required for clarification.

Dermoscopy and skin CT can also assist in diagnosis. If age spots rapidly increase in number or size within a short period, relevant tests (such as a skin biopsy or tumor-related examinations) should be performed at a hospital.

What is the difference between age spots and melasma? Which diseases are age spots easily confused with?

Melasma is more common in women, with an unclear cause, and typically appears as light brown patches symmetrically distributed on facial skin such as the forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, nose, and upper lip.

Age spots mostly occur in older adults and can appear on any part of the skin. Although the names of the two conditions are similar, they can generally be distinguished by age, gender, location, and appearance.

Additionally, age spots need to be differentiated from flat warts, actinic keratosis, pigmented nevi, and other conditions. When differentiation is difficult, a skin biopsy can help clarify the diagnosis.

What is the difference between age spots and flat warts? How to distinguish them?

• Cause: Age spots result from photoaging due to UV exposure; flat warts are benign skin lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and are contagious.
• Affected population: Middle-aged and elderly people are prone to age spots; flat warts are more common in children or young adults.
• Location: Age spots mostly appear on the face and arms; flat warts can occur on the face, arms, and other parts of the body.
• Development: Age spots develop slowly, and the patches usually grow larger or multiply; flat warts may progress rapidly, and some may suddenly disappear after treatment.
• Shape and color: Age spots are independently distributed, appearing dark brown or black, and may cluster into patches; flat warts are usually round or polygonal, often forming chains, and are skin-colored or light brown.

TREATMENT

Do Age Spots Need Treatment? How to Treat Age Spots?

Age spots are benign skin tumors that grow slowly and generally do not require treatment.

For cosmetic purposes, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal can be considered. Early-stage lesions may also be treated with topical medications. The specific treatment method depends on factors such as age, lesion characteristics, and individual circumstances.

Is Laser, Cryotherapy, or Surgery for Age Spots Painful? Will Scars Remain After Treatment?

Laser treatment may cause pain, and anesthesia can be considered based on personal tolerance. It usually does not leave noticeable scars, but excessive sun exposure may cause pigmentation, so sun protection is essential post-treatment.

Cryotherapy uses low temperatures to cause necrosis and shedding of the age spot tissue, which can be painful, and anesthesia is typically not used.

Mild scarring may occur after treatment but usually fades over time. Sun protection is also necessary post-cryotherapy. Surgical removal is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. The resulting scar depends on the size and location of the lesion.

How Long After Laser or Cryotherapy for Age Spots Can I Shower?

After laser or cryotherapy, the skin surface may have open wounds, making it prone to infection. Showering is safe once the wound has healed (scabs have fallen off), or protective measures (e.g., waterproof dressings) can be used during showering.

After surgery, sutures are typically removed in 7–14 days, depending on the location. Showering is safe once the wound has healed properly.

Are There Other Treatment Options Besides Laser for Age Spots? Can Topical Ointments Be Used?

Early-stage lesions can also be treated with topical medications such as 0.25%–0.1% tretinoin cream, 5-fluorouracil ointment, or 5% imiquimod. If treatment is not desired, cosmetics can be used for coverage.

Can Skincare Products Prevent or Remove Age Spots?

Skin care is a long-term process. Consistent skincare and sun protection may help prevent some age spots. However, there is no evidence that skincare products can remove existing age spots.

Will Age Spots Recur After Treatment?

Age spots are benign tumors of unknown cause and can appear anywhere on the body. New lesions may develop even after treatment.

Are Folk Remedies for Age Spots Reliable?

Age spots are benign skin conditions and do not require special treatment. If treatment is desired, consult a dermatologist at a reputable medical institution. Avoid trusting unverified remedies from online, TV, or street advertisements.

If an Age Spot Is Scratched, Can It Turn Cancerous?

Age spots are benign, and occasional friction-induced damage, if treated promptly, will not lead to cancer. However, prolonged inflammation may cause adverse effects (e.g., non-healing ulcers or malignancy).

DIET & LIFESTYLE

Do I need to avoid certain foods after developing age spots?

Age spots are benign skin tumors, and there are no strict dietary restrictions.

PREVENTION

How to Prevent Age Spots?

The cause of age spots is unknown, but it is currently believed to be related to genetics and sun exposure. The best way to prevent age spots is to avoid prolonged sun exposure, take sun protection measures regularly, and protect the skin barrier.