Association of systemic diseases with cutaneous dermatosis in elderly population: Preliminary observation at a rural tertiary care centre

Abstract

Introduction:Aging population is susceptible to many cutaneous and systemic diseases, simultaneously leading to impairment of quality of life in them.Aim:To know the association of dermatosis and systemic diseases in geriatric age group.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was carried on patients above 60 years of age who visited the Dermatology OPD at rural tertiary care centre from June 2009 to May 2010. Patients were assessed on a prescribed 30 point proforma.Results:Total 457 geriatric patients with dermatosis were registered under the study, of these 203 patients had one or more systemic diseases. Hypertension (70.9%) was the commonest disease, followed by diabetes (32.5%). Eczema was commonest dermatosis in patients with hypertension and generalized pruritus in diabetes.Conclusion:Skin diseases cause considerable morbidity in elderly, particularly if associated with other comorbid conditions, so health promotion and education can do much to reduce the risk.

Geriatric dermatology, changes related to aging

“…The nervous degeneration secondary to diabetes mellitus (DM) is another important factor 12 ; the damage produced by herpes zoster at the ganglionic level has also been implied, producing post-herpetic pruritus in up to 36% of the cases, other localized pruritus mechanisms are related to radiculopathies, as in notalgia paresthetica 13 .…”

“…In the case of chronic kidney disease, the highest prevalence is observed in 60-90% of uremic patients in dialysis treatment, the cause is related to alterations in the balance of sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium, in addition to the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine 12 . Other systemic disorders include hypothyroidism, iron deficiency anemia, polycythemia, lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders, atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis, lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), cutaneous infections, psoriasis, hives, insect bite prurigo, and drug-induced skin reactions, among others 13 .…”

“…Treatment should be aimed to improve general skin conditions, the use of topical emollients and soap substitutes is of great help 13 ; baths should be short and with warm water in order not to decrease the lipid layer that provides moisture to the skin. Urea-containing creams function as a natural humectant factor; topical steroids are reserved for cases of itching where inflammation is present, as their multiple side effects must be taken into account, and long-term use should be avoided.…”

“…The risk-benefit ratio in Caucasian patients must always be assessed because of the risks associated with the development of melanoma and basal cell carcinomas. Acupuncture and psychobehavioral therapy has shown some degree of effectiveness, but lack scientific evidence [12][13][14] .…”

Diabetes melitus meningkatkan kejadian pruritus vulva pada perempuan lanjut usia

“…Gatal pada organ genitalia eksterna perempuan merupakan sebuah gejala, dan bukan sebuah diagnosis patologis. (7) Pruritus vulvae biasanya terjadi pada malam hari. Ketika sedang tidur memungkinkan seseorang menggaruk tanpa menyadarinya yang menyebabkan memar sampai berdarah.…”