Dermatological Conditions Among the Geriatric Population : A Cross Sectional Survey

Background: Geriatric health care has been considered as an emerging issue due to the increase in life expectancy. Cutaneous lesions are more common among the elderly due to aging, which causes decline in the function of skin.

Objective: To determine the spectrum of dermatological manifestations among the elderly.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients aged 60 years and above reporting to the health camp. Skin changes in all the patients were recorded and were classified into physiological and pathological changes.

Results: Among 200 patients studied, 72% were men and 28% were women. Eczema (44%) was the most common pathological condition followed by pruritus (38%), and xerosis was common among the physiological changes.

Conclusion: Geriatric population are one of the more vulnerable sections of our society. Majority of the elderly in this study had xerosis and eczema.

Keywords: Geriatric; cutaneous manifestation; eczema.