Barnacles of Aging (Seborrheic Keratoses) Facts and Treatment

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Seborrheic Keratoses or, 'Barnacles of Aging,' are harmless spots and skin growth that occur during adulthood. Barnacles of aging have a variety of degrees of pigmentation. Epidermiale growth factors play a role in the development of the skin growth, something that develops from the strong spreading of the epidermialen cells. The spots start as a light brown color, becoming darker and more wart-like in appearance.

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Some become nearly black if the person uses sun acid number lotions. The spots may occur on the person's chest and present a waxy feel or look. Barnacles of aging are not contagious and do not spread, although they might have small white or black circles in the center and the surface of them may appear irregular.

Barnacles of aging might occur along or in clusters. The spots are not cancerous and happen in the outer layer of the person's skin. The main feature of barnacles of aging is their waxy or, 'pasted-on,' appearance. The spots can be oval and a fraction of an inch across, or might form in long, tree-like patterns on the person's body. Barnacles of aging are one of the more common forms of non-cancerous skin growths in older adults, comprising the most common benign tumor among older individuals.

Causes of Barnacles of Aging

The cause of barnacles of aging is genetic; the tendency to develop them is inherited. The spots start as slightly raised and light brown spots, gradually thickening until they present a rough and wart-like appearance. Barnacles of aging slowly darken and can turn black. The color changes are harmless. Common causes and risk factors of barnacles of aging include:

• A family history of barnacles of aging
• Exposure to a lot of ultra violet radiation
• Barnacles of aging may occur during pregnancy
• Barnacles of aging may occur following estrogen therapy
• Abnormal increase of melanin in the epidermal layers of the person's skin

Signs and Symptoms of Barnacles of Aging

People who experience barnacles of aging can present with various signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms include the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Wrinkles
• Tenderness
• May be itchy
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of discomfort

Barnacles of aging may:

• Have a pasted look
• Elevate off the skin surface
• Have a round or oval shape
• Be single or multiple growths
• Be yellow, tan, brown, or black
• Have a rough or wart-like texture

Treatment for Barnacles of Aging

Barnacles of aging do not usually require treatment. Among the reasons people seek treatment for barnacles of aging include appearance and the fact that they get caught in the person's clothing on occasion. Liquid nitrogen therapy, or cryogenic treatment, may be used to treat barnacles of aging and freeze them off. Some common forms of treatment for barnacles of aging include:

• Low-potency Glucocorticoid Creams: The creams can be applied on the person's skin once or twice each day.
• Electrical Current: Another effective means of treating barnacles of aging. The growth is numbed, then burned off using an electrical current.
• Ketoconazole PO 200mg QD for seven to fourteen days: Ketoconazole cream can be applied on the person's skin once or twice per day. It is important to avoid alcohol solutions, hair tonics, greasy ointments, or soap.

Barnacles of aging can be treated through the above means. It is important to consult a doctor concerning treatment if you decide to pursue it; the doctor will suggest the method they believe is best. Another method of treating barnacles of aging includes numbing the affected area with an injection or spray, then scraping the spots from the surface of the person's skin.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida.

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