Publication:

A clinical study of geriatric dermatoses in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India

Background Geriatric dermatoses are one of the most common reasons for day-to-day consultation in the elderly. Over the past few years, understanding of the pathophysiology of skin changes in the geriatric age group has improved and has paved the way for better therapeutic options. This article reviews the various physiological and pathological changes of aging, dwelling on the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the pathogenesis of aging skin. To describe the clinical pattern of various dermatological disorders in the elderly.

Methods The study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy, at Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri. Totally 150 members were included in the study, who are above the age of 60 years. Thorough systemic and dermatological examination done. Investigations like complete blood count, liver function test, renal function test, random blood sugar were done.

Results Xerosis was seen most commonly in this study in 96 cases (33.2%), followed by wrinkling in 84 cases (29.1%), immunoglobulin heavy in 72 cases (25.0%), senile comedones 25 cases (8.6%), and senile lentigines in 12 case (4.1%). In some of these cases, a combination of the above findings was seen.

Conclusions In this study, various physiological signs of aging were studied, which is an inescapable process along with the pathological changes. These changes in photoaging were superimposed with intrinsic aging. Although most of the changes studied were harmless to the elderly, few have an adverse impact on the lives, which included chronic actinic dermatitis and conditions such as malignancy.