The Sage Way to Deal with Wisdom Spots

The Spot With Many Names

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous dermatological lesion that almost everyone gets. The name means thickening of the skin at sebaceous (oil) glands. They earn the name “wisdom spots” because they typically occur in older individuals, who are wiser. You may also hear them called:

• Maturity spots
• Age spots.
• Senile warts. However, this is a misnomer. Wisdom spots are not warts. They are not caused by a virus, are not contagious, and do not spread.
• Barnacles.

Wisdom spots are largely genetic. If one or both of your parents had seborrheic keratoses, you probably will, too. Sometimes hormonal changes such as pregnancy, or medical problems trigger wisdom spots.

Effective Laser Therapy

The smart way to deal with wisdom spots is to call Skin & Vein Institute at (760) 642-6674 (new patients) or (760) 452-2080 (existing patients) for an appointment with Dr. Amanda Lloyd. In her capable hands, wisdom spots are easily eliminated with a simple laser procedure. Treatment is quick and painless. It leaves a small wound (similar to a scraped knee), that heals quickly. Dr. Lloyd recommends keeping the area moist with petroleum jelly and covered with an adhesive bandage for a few days.

Results are generally permanent – treated wisdom spots rarely grow back. However, new ones may develop, so periodic re-treatment could be necessary to keep your skin attractively smooth and even-toned.

Dr. Amanda Lloyd is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the largest global organization of medical professionals dedicated to improved patient care through laser technologies. She has extensive training and experience in the dermatologic uses of lasers, and has authored peer reviewed articles and a text book chapter on this topic.