TLDR Elderly in South India commonly suffer from skin issues like wrinkles, dryness, and infections, needing better skin care education.
The study assessed 200 elderly patients (128 males, 72 females) aged 60 and above from rural areas attending a Dermatology OPD in South India over six months. The most common conditions were wrinkling (>95%), xerosis (42.5%), generalized pruritus (28%), eczematous skin conditions (21%), and psoriasis (8.5%). Fungal infections were the most prevalent (7.5%), followed by viral infections like herpes zoster (4%), pyoderma (3.5%), and scabies (2.5%). Benign tumors were seen in 28% of cases, and nail changes in 45%. The study highlights the need for health education on skin care, including the use of emollients, foot care, hygiene, sun protection, and early diagnosis and management to improve the quality of life in the elderly.
17 citations,
July 2014 in “Our Dermatology Online” Older adults have a wide range of skin conditions, with dry skin being very common and many also experiencing skin growths, itching, and infections.
35 citations,
January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Older adults commonly experience wrinkles, itchy skin, psoriasis, fungal infections, skin growths, grey hair, hair loss, and nail ridging, but no skin cancer was found in this group.
3 citations,
August 2017 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences” The study concluded that the most common skin changes in elderly people are wrinkles and dry skin, with various infections, benign tumors, and changes in nails and hair also being significant.
January 2017 in “Springer eBooks” The document explains various skin conditions and their treatments.
22 citations,
November 2014 in “Psychiatric Clinics of North America” Stress can worsen skin conditions and affect mental health, so doctors should include stress management in skin treatment.
2 citations,
January 2014 in “Springer eBooks” The book details skin conditions in older adults, their link to mental health, cancer treatment importance, hair loss remedies, and managing autoimmune and itchy skin.
March 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The document lists various dermatology topics, treatments, and diagnostic methods.
