A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Geriatric Dermatoses

15.38% and Angiokeratoma of Fordyce was seen in (7.70%). A study done by Leena Raveendra10 (2014) reported 11% incidence of vascular disorder higher as compared to our study.

Vesiculobullous disorders were seen in 3.15% of the study population. Pemphigus Vulgaris was the commonest seen in 45.45% cases followed by Bullous Pemphigiod in 27.27% , Pemphigus foliaceus seen in 18.18% cases and Paraneoplastic Pemphigus in 1 case (9.10%). A study done by Muhammed Kutty Simin et al18 (2020) also reported similar incidence of vesiculo-bullous disorders in 3.5%.

Cutaneous drug reactions were seen in 3.15% of the study population. Fixed drug eruption was the commonest seen in 36.36%. A study by Sandhyarani Kshetrimayum et al6 (2017) reported 2.4% a lesser incidence as compared to our study.

Other miscellaneous geriatric dermatoses were seen in 10.57% of the study group. Among which Palmoplantar Keratoderma, Keloid and Post Herpetic Neuralgia were the highest and seen in 13.51%. A study by Sandhyarani Kshetrimayum et al6 (2017) reported 7.6% as other (miscellaneous) geriatric dermatoses and reported Post Herpetic Neuralgia as highest seen in 4.4%.

On analyzing the associated disease, it was found that Hypertension was the commonest (28.29%) affecting both male and female study subjects. The next was Diabetes Mellitus affecting (17.14%) of the study population. The study done by Sandhyarani Kshetrimayum et al6 (2017) also reported Hypertension as the commonest associated disease seen in 16.4% followed by Diabetes Mellitus in 6.8% cases.

Conclusion

Spectrum of geriatric dermatoses is rapidly changing causing wide variety of physiological and pathological skin changes. Thus early detection and proper management is crucial to prevent local tissue destruction. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations to find out pattern as well as frequency of skin diseases in geriatric population in our part of the country and can help in better management.

References

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5. Fisher GJ, Wang ZQ, Datta SC, Varani J, Kang S, Voorhees JJ. Pathophysiology of premature skin aging induced by ultraviolet light. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1419- 1428.

6. Kshetrimayum S, Thokchom NS, Vanlalhriatpuii, Hafi NAB. Pattern of geriatric dermatosis at a tertiary care center in North-East India. Int Res Dermatol 2017;3:527-34.