Common, usually harmless changes
- Seborrheic keratoses: tan, brown or black growths that look waxy or "stuck on." They are benign but can be removed if irritated.
- Cherry angiomas: small, bright red bumps made of blood vessels. They are harmless.
- Solar lentigines (age spots): flat brown spots on sun-exposed skin such as the face and hands
- Skin tags: small, soft flaps of skin on the neck, underarms and eyelids
- Easy bruising: thinner skin and fragile blood vessels bruise more easily, especially on the forearms
- Dry, itchy skin: older skin makes less oil. Gentle cleansers, lukewarm showers and daily moisturizer help.
Changes that need a dermatologist
- Actinic keratoses: rough, scaly, sandpaper-like spots on sun-exposed skin. They are precancerous and should be treated.
- A new spot that looks different from your other spots, or a mole that changes in size, shape or color
- A sore that doesn't heal, or a spot that bleeds, crusts or itches
- A shiny or pearly bump, or a firm, scaly growth
Skin cancer risk rises with age because sun damage adds up over a lifetime. A yearly full-body skin exam is a good habit for older adults, especially those with a history of sun exposure or skin cancer.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for a visit with a physician.