A Clinical Study of Geriatric Dermatoses

Abstract

BACKGROUND Geriatric population is increasing worldwide. Hence, a proper understanding of geriatric skin disorders is important for a dermatologist. Though there are a large number of studies on the pattern of geriatric dermatoses, there is a scarcity of such studies in Kerala in the available literature. Aims-To study the pattern of dermatoses in geriatric population and to analyse the association of common geriatric dermatoses with systemic illnesses. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis was a descriptive study in which patients aged sixty years and above who attended the Geriatric Department of a tertiary care centre in Kerala was studied. Detailed dermatological examination was done and relevant laboratory investigations were done. Association of geriatric dermatoses with systemic illnesses was analysed. RESULTSNon-infective dermatoses outnumbered infective dermatoses. Xerosis was the commonest dermatosis. Glogau wrinkling scale was Grade III in the majority of patients. A statistically significant association of xanthelasma palpebrarum with dyslipidaemia and cherry angioma with diabetes was noted in the study. CONCLUSIONDermatological findings in geriatric population was universal in this study. This would necessitate the need for conducting dermatological clinics for these patients.