Abstract :
Introduction: Ageing process is a complex phenomenon which affects all organs in the body as well as
skin. Geriatric dermatoses can be regarded as a cutaneous marker of underlying systemic disorders and
internal malignancies. This was study aimed to analyse various clinical ageing patterns among elderly aged
above 60 years.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of clinical patterns of ageing and non-ageing dermatoses among
elderly compare with non-dermatology patients.
Materials and Methods: An observational study, conducted on 300 patients aged 60 years and above were
analysed for geriatric dermatoses. Of them 211 patients were subjects attended dermatology OPD (group
A) and 89 patients were controls (Group B) from other were selected from specialties.. Detailed history,
through examination and appropriate investigations were done after obtaining informed consent.
Results: Out of 300 patients, males were (192, 64%) and females (108, 36%), the male female ratio of
1.77:1. Majority werein 60 -70 years age group (245, 81.67%). Primary ageing dermatoses were more
prevalent than non-ageing dermatoses (95.3% vs 39%). Pruritus was the commonest complaint in(164,
54.7%). Common patterns of geriatric dermatoses were wrinkling (286, 95.3%), xerosis (164,54.7%),
seborrheic keratosis(94, 31.3%), Leucoplakia(48,16%), actinic keratosis(6,2.3%), infections (66, 22%),
eczema (48, 16%), pigmentary disorders (38,12.7%), papulo-squamous disorders (31, 10.3%), autoimmune
blistering disorders (6,2%) and exfoliative dermatitis in 5 (1.7%) cases
Conclusion: Geriatric dermatoses become more prevalent following environmental and occupational
hazards as their skin is nutritionally, immunologicallyand psychologically compromised. Primary ageing
and pathological disorderswere higher among pre-existing dermatoses group than other systemic disorders
group. Early recognition of patterns and appropriate management improve the quality of life in elderly.
Keyword :
Ageing, Dermatoses, Geriatric, Pruritus Ageing, Pruritus.