Study Of Cutaneous Disorders In Geriatric Age Group

Abstract

Background: Increase in life expectancy due to better and improved medical facilities leads to increase in number of individuals among geriatric age group who are exposed to various environmental factors for a longer duration of time. This leads to increase in various dermatological and associated systemic diseases in geriatric age group. The studies conducted on geriatric dermatoses are sparse. Objective: To study the various patterns of cutaneous disorders in geriatric age group. Methods: A total of 550 consecutive geriatric patients were examined in a hospital based, cross-sectional study between the period of October 2008 to May 2010. Results: Of 550 patients, 302 (55%) were males and 248 (45%) were females. There were 456 (82.9%) patients belonging to age group 65-74 years, 84 (15.2%) belonging to age group 75-85 years and only 10 (1.8%) were above 85 years of age. Among photoaging skin changes seborrhoeic keratosis 207 (37.6%) and senile comedones 207(37.6%) were noted more in males. Cutaneous diseases like fungal, bacterial and viral infections, parasitic infestations, eczema, psoriasis, pigmentary disorders are noted more in males. Among different age groups, fissure feet 7 (70%), parasitic infestations 2 (20%), malignancies 1 (10%) were noted more above 85 years of age. Eczematous disorders 61 (13.3%) were more common in the age group of 65- 74 years. Among infections, fungal xi infections 47 (8.5%) were commonly noticed. Among eczematous disorders, photodermatitis 26 (36.6%) was the commonest disorder noticed. Psoriasis was present in 12 (2%) of patients. Vesiculobullous disorders were noticed in 3 (0.5%) of patients. Cutaneous drug reactions were noted in 2 (0.3%) of patients. Basal cell carcinoma was the only cutaneous malignancy seen in 2 (0.3%) patients. Associated systemic ailments were observed in 107 (19.4%) patients. Hypertension 44 (8%) was the commonest followed by diabetes 41 (7.4%). Conclusion: The present study provides data on various cutaneous disorders in elderly based on gender, different age groups and associated comorbid conditions. Health promotion and education of these disorders can reduce the morbidity in elderly individuals. The database demonstrates the need for further studies addressing clinical, etiological and therapeutic issues of major dermatoses affecting the quality of life of elderly