Pattern of geriatric dermatoses at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of South Rajasthan, India

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Pattern of geriatric dermatoses at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of South Rajasthan, India

Journal Title: Nasza Dermatologia Online - Year 2017, Vol 8, Issue 3

Abstract

Background: Geriatric health care has assumed worldwide importance due to increase in the life expectancy during the last few decades. Aging skin has a marked susceptibility to dermatologic disorders due to the structural and physiologic changes that occur as a consequence of intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Aim: This study was aimed to evaluate the magnitude, pattern, contributory factors and systemic association of various dermatoses among geriatric population. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 60 years and above attending the dermatology outpatient department during a period of one year were enrolled in the study. Detailed history taking followed by general, systemic and cutaneous examination, and relevant investigations were carried out. The findings were recorded in a proforma for analysis and interpretation of data. Results: Out of total 610 patients enrolled, 68.2% were males and 31.8% females. The male to female ratio was 2.14:1. Maximum (339; 55.6%) number of patients were in the age group of 60-69 years. Wrinkling (273; 44.8%) was the commonest physiological cutaneous finding. Among the pathological changes, benign tumors (620; 39.9%), nevus (253; 16.3%), infection and infestation (244; 15.7%), dermatitis (158; 10.1%), pruritus (78; 5.0%), pigmentary disorders (67; 4.3%) and papulosquamous disorders (62; 4.0%) were common conditions. Associated systemic illness was recorded in 180 (29.5%) patients, of which hypertension (96; 15.7%) was the commonest. Conclusion: With the expected increase in the geriatric population in the coming years, the dermatological problems in geriatric population assume great importance. Our study shows that physiological changes seen with ageing such as wrinkling, senile purpura, xerosis, senile comedone, atrophy and senile lentigens are major cutaneous findings. Eczemas of various types and fungal and bacterial infections are the common dermatological morbidities. These dermatological morbidities in geriatric population can be minimized by reassurance, regular use of emollients and proper education regarding routine care of skin.

Authors and Affiliations

Anshu Goyal

Keywords

Geriatric Dermatoses Aging

EP ID EP286659
DOI 10.7241/ourd.20173.71
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