Pre-Father's Day Survey: 72.3% of Fathers Aged 50+ Ignore Skin Conditions, 61.5% of Families Want to Recommend Dermatologist Visits

【Conclusion】 Key Points of the Survey To conclude, the skin spots and growths commonly seen in senior men are often 'seborrheic keratosis' (senile warts), a benign tumor. These spots do not disappear naturally and can increase with prolonged sun exposure, with some carrying a risk of malignancy. When recommending dermatologist visits to fathers, it is effective to use approaches like 'as part of a health check-up' or 'as a Father's Day gift' to avoid hurting their pride. ・72.3% of fathers aged 50+ have left skin spots and growths untreated for over a year ・61.5% of families want to recommend dermatologist visits to their fathers, but only 23.7% have actually done so ・The top reason for leaving skin conditions untreated is 'I don't think it's a disease' (48.7%), with only 18.3% aware of seborrheic keratosis Terminology Explanation ■ What is Seborrheic Keratosis? Seborrheic keratosis is a benign tumor that appears as brown to black raised lesions on the face or body of middle-aged and older individuals. Also known as 'senile warts' or 'senile verruca,' it is primarily caused by ultraviolet rays and aging. While most are benign, rare cases require differentiation from malignant melanoma. ■ What are Senile Lentigines (Solar Lentigines)? Senile lentigines are flat, brown spots caused by prolonged sun exposure. Common in men and women over 40, they typically appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, back of hands, and arms. They do not disappear naturally and are treated with lasers or topical medications. ■ What is Dermoscopy Examination? Dermoscopy examination is a non-invasive method using a special magnifying glass to closely observe pigmented skin lesions. It is widely used in dermatology to differentiate between benign and malignant spots that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Comparison of Main Types and Characteristics of Skin Spots and Growths Comparison Items Seborrheic Keratosis (Senile Warts) Senile Lentigines (Spots) Malignant Melanoma (Melanoma) Appearance Brown to black, raised, rough surface Brown, flat, clear borders Black to brown, irregular, uneven color Causes Aging, ultraviolet rays Ultraviolet rays Ultraviolet rays, genetic factors Malignancy Potential Generally benign Benign Malignant (early detection is crucial) Natural Healing None None None (progressive) Main Treatments Liquid nitrogen, laser, excision Laser, topical medications Surgery, chemotherapy Insurance Coverage Covered depending on symptoms Generally not covered by insurance Covered *Note: These are general guidelines and individual differences exist. Accurate diagnosis requires a dermatologist's examination. Aishin Clinic, which operates dermatology and plastic surgery clinics (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya locations), conducted a survey on 'Skin Concerns of Fathers Aged 50+ and Family Awareness' ahead of Father's Day. The survey revealed the reality of increasing skin spots and growths in senior men and the difficulties families face in promoting clinic visits. Survey Background As Father's Day approaches, our clinic has seen an increase in consultations from families concerned about their fathers' facial spots and growths but reluctant to visit a dermatologist, or unsure if senile spots should be left untreated. Senior men tend to have lower awareness of skincare and dermatologist visits compared to women, often leaving benign tumors like seborrheic keratosis untreated for years. This survey was conducted to understand the reality of skin troubles in men aged 50+ and family awareness. Survey Overview Survey Target: Nationwide men and women aged 20-60 with fathers aged 50+ Survey Period: May 25, 2026 - June 3, 2026 Survey Method: Internet survey Number of Respondents: 300 Survey Results 【Survey Result】 72.3% Leave Skin Spots and Growths Untreated for Over a Year, 'Over 5 Years' Most Common at 38.0% Question: How long has your father (aged 50+) left facial or body skin spots and growths untreated? It was found that over 70% of fathers aged 50+ have left skin spots and growths untreated for over a year, with 'over 5 years' being the most common at 38.0%, revealing a reality of long-term neglect. 【Survey Result】 Top Reason for Leaving Untreated is 'Don't Think It's a Disease' at 48.7%, Awareness of Seborrheic Keratosis Only 18.3% Question: What do you think are the reasons your father leaves skin spots and growths untreated? (Multiple answers possible, select one main reason) About half responded 'I don't think it's a disease,' indicating a lack of awareness that seborrheic keratosis is a treatable skin condition. When asked about awareness of seborrheic keratosis, only 18.3% responded 'I know.' 【Survey Result】 61.5% Want to Recommend Dermatologist Visits to Fathers, but Only 23.7% Have Actually Done So Question: Do you want to recommend dermatologist visits to your father? While over 60% want to recommend visits, when asked 'Have you actually recommended a visit?', only 23.7% responded 'I have.' There is a gap between the desire to recommend and actual action. 【Survey Result】 'As Part of a Health Check-Up' Most Effective at 32.3%, Considerate Communication Important Question: What do you think is an effective way to recommend dermatologist visits to your father? The most effective approach is to promote visits naturally 'as part of a health check-up.' Proposing visits 'as a Father's Day gift' is also high at 22.7%, showing the effectiveness of event-based approaches. 【Survey Result】 41.7% of Families Concerned About 'Missing Malignant Tumors,' Significant Health Risk Anxiety Question: What are you most concerned about regarding your father's skin spots and growths? Over 40% of families are concerned about 'missing malignant tumors,' indicating that health risk anxiety is the biggest concern. Concerns about 'increasing in number or size' are also high at 26.0%, with many families anxious about progression. Survey Summary The survey revealed that over 70% of fathers aged 50+ have left skin spots and growths untreated for long periods, primarily due to a lack of awareness that 'they don't think it's a disease.' While over 60% of families want to recommend dermatologist visits, only about 20% have actually done so, with the pride of fathers and the difficulty of communication being barriers. It is believed that proposing visits with approaches like 'as part of a health check-up' or 'as a gift' on Father's Day can lead to early detection and treatment of skin conditions in senior men. Doctor's Comment | Aishin Clinic, Kouta Takakouzu MD From over 15 years of clinical experience as a dermatologist, I can say that most skin spots and growths seen in senior men are 'seborrheic keratosis,' a benign tumor. However, there are cases where it is difficult to distinguish from malignant tumors with the naked eye. Do not judge and leave it untreated thinking 'it's just aging.' I strongly recommend undergoing a dermoscopy examination at a dermatology clinic at least once. The fact that 'I don't think it's a disease' accounted for about half of the reasons for leaving it untreated is a great concern for dermatologists. While most seborrheic keratosis is benign, there are rare cases where malignant melanoma (melanoma) or basal cell carcinoma are mixed in. Especially when 'suddenly growing larger'