Abstract :
Introduction: Elderly population is susceptible to many cutaneous diseases, simultaneously leading to
impairment of quality of life in them.
Aim: To determine the clinical pattern of various dermatological disorders and their burden in the elderly
population.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on one hundred and four patients aged more than
60 years of age attending the outpatient clinic. History regarding cutaneous complaints, present and past
medical ailments was captured. After that complete general physical and systemic examination was carried
out. Detailed dermatological examination was done. Relevant investigations were carried out.
Results: Seborrheic Keratosis was the most common (54.8%) benign condition seen among study
subjects. Infection and Infestation was seen in 29.8% subjects. Eczema was reported in 24% elderly.
Papulosquamous skin disorders were observed in 7.7%. Vesicobullous disorder and pigmentary disorder
were seen in 1.9% subjects each. Pruritus was the commonest complaint observed. Thirty four percent
subjects were suffering from diabetes whereas 22.1% had hypertension. Guttate hypomelanosis was seen
in 63.5%. Senile lentigens and comedones were seen in 54.8% and 39.4% subjects respectively.
Conclusion: Dermatological problems are quite common in geriatric population. We noted various kinds
of pathological and atypical changes in the skin of studied people. Early detection and management of such
lesions are crucial.
Keyword :
Elderly, Dermatoses, Pruritus, Xerosis.