A clinical study of Geriatric dermatoses at Tertiary care center in South India

Abstract

Geriatric health care has become a worldwide concern as advance in medical science has contributed to increase in average life span of an individual. Cutaneous dermatoses constitute one of the major comorbidities of elderly. To determine the prevalence of various skin conditions in elderly patients. A Total of 200 patients aged 60 and above attending Dermatology OPD at tertiary care centre for a period of six months from March to August were assessed for cutaneous dermatosis, routine investigations and histopathological examination done for relevant cases. Out of 200 patients included in study group 128 were males (64%) and 72females (36%), majority were in age group of 65 to70 yrs. All patients recruited were from rural area. wrinkling was seen in >95% of cases , Generalized pruritus and xerosis was seen in 56patient(28%) and 85 patients(42.5%) respectively, eczematous skin condition seen in 41 patients(21%)and psoriasis in 17 patients(8.5%) fissure foot in 15(7.5%) patients .Fungal infection is the most common infection noted(7.5% ) followed by viral infection herpes zoster and post herpetic neuralgia ( 4%), pyoderma (3.5%) and scabies(2.5% ).Benign tumors like acrochordons, Dermatosis Papulosis nigra and seborrheic keratosis seen in 28% of cases. Nails changes was seen in 45% of patients. The increasing prevalence of skin condition in elderly especially ruritus and eczema, emphasizes the importance of health education regarding skin care concerning appropriate use of emollients, foot care, proper hygiene, sun protection and for early diagnosis and management of the same, such that the process of senescence allowed to live hail and healthy.