No one likes to get older, but the alternative is worse!

SEBORRHEIC KERATOSES
This barnacle on the ship of life is usually a rough, brown or tan warty growth on the skin. As to why people get it, there is no good reply. Medical science, in all its wisdom, doesn't know. They are very common, and they are not dangerous, just a nuisance. They are not caused by the sun but genetics does seem to be important for some. You may know a relative who has a lot of these.

CAPILLARY HEMANGIOMAS
A capillary hemangioma is a blood blister very common on the trunk of adults. Most people over 30 have one or more. They are little dome-shaped or slightly raised red bumps. Sometimes, they appear as pinpoint red dots. In one study of adults 30-39 years of age, 90% of the men and 65% of the women had at least one cherry angioma. There seems to be no good reason to have these, but luckily, they are not dangerous.

SKIN TAGS
These tabs are common in the axilla, on the neck, in the groin and under the woman's breasts. They catch on necklaces, rub on collars and bras etc. Patients often want to know why they form. There is some correlation with weight and height, but in general why adults get them is another mystery of life.

BRUISES ON THE ARMS
Many older people bruise very easily on the arms after the slightest trauma or even after no trauma at all. The bruise tends to fade over a month or two. Steroid use can thin the skin and make this worse. Sun exposure also adds to the thinning.

DERMATOFIBROMAS
Many women will complain of this bump on the leg. It may be pink, red, tan, or brown. The key distinguishing feature is that you can grab it between two fingers and feel it within the skin. Often, when you do this, the surface will be "sucked in". These are collections of scar tissue within the skin. The upper back, especially over the scapula is another typical area. Men may also be affected. The surface of the dermatofibroma is often pigmented, and at times, velvety.

MILIA
These tiny, white bumps on the face, usually of women are benign, tiny cysts.

For more information on aging skin go to
www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/index.html