Cutaneous Manifestation in Geriatrics and their Effect on Quality of Life: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Observational Study

Dr. Garima Sharma, Dr. Sonam Sharma, Dr. Sampreeti

Abstract: Background: India is "an ageing nation", the life expectancy in India was 57 years in the 90s, in 2019 it has increased to 68.9 years. As both the life expectancy as well as the geriatric population are on the rise, the percentage of senior citizens seeking dermatological help are projected to increase. However, skin diseases though being prevalent lack priority. This study is being conducted to identify the common geriatric dermatoses prevalent in central India, Chhattisgarh and also to assess their effect on the quality of life. Aim: To study the cutaneous manifestations in people above the age of 60 years and their effect on quality of life. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out on 200 consecutive patients aged 60 years and above in Department of Dermatology of a Tertiary care hospital of central India after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of 200 patients, two-thirds were males. Out of total, 45.5% patients had one or more comorbidity. Xerosis followed by seborrheic keratosis were the most common physiological cutaneous manifestations, and infective dermatoses followed by allergic contact dermatitis were the most common pathological conditions seen. Few rare cases were also seen during the study such as n Discoid lupus erythematosus, and Bullous pemphigoid. Around 18% reported moderate to large effect on their quality of life. Conclusion: Skin diseases are an important cause of psycho-social morbidity among geriatric population. Their special needs must be addressed by making appropriate changes in national health policies. Also, sensitization about geriatrics dermatosis can be done among medical officers and health workers.

Keywords: Dermatoses, elderly, geriatrics, skin diseases