BACKGROUNDThere is dearth of data regarding the dermatoglyphic pattern in psoriasis patients of South India. The aim is to study the palmar dermatoglyphic pattern in psoriasis and to compare it with that of a comparison group. MATERIALS AND METHODSAll consecutive psoriasis patients who attended the Department of Dermatology in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram during a period of one and a half year were included in this descriptive comparative study. RESULTSThe study population comprised of 103 patients. A similar number of normal population was considered as a comparison group. In fingertip patterns, loops were the predominant pattern followed by whorls and arches in psoriasis patients. In thumb of both hands, the number of whorls were high in psoriasis patients compared to comparison group. In index finger of both hands, the number of arches were high and whorls were low when compared to comparison group. A low whorl pattern in middle finger (right and left) and a high arch pattern in left index finger were observed in psoriasis patients. A low ulnar loop pattern in left ring finger, low whorl pattern in right ring finger and a high arch pattern in both ring fingers were observed in psoriasis patients. A high number of arch patterns were observed in both little fingers. An increase in true patterns was observed in right interdigital space I. The mean total finger ridge count was high in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONDermatoglyphics can be used as a cost-effective tool to predict the occurrence of psoriasis in a person. Dermatoglyphic analysis can be included in examination of persons who are susceptible to psoriasis (in case of family history of psoriasis) and in psoriasis patients, due to its advantages such as easy method of taking palm prints, fast results and cost-effectiveness.

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.