A Clinical Study of Skin Changes in the Geriatric Population

In a clinical study from 2005 to 2007 involving 200 geriatric patients aged 65 and above at the Command Hospital, Bangalore, various skin changes were observed. The study found that 95.5% of the patients had wrinkling, primarily glyphic wrinkles on sun-exposed areas. Other common conditions included generalized pruritus in 18.5% of patients, psoriasis in 12.5%, fungal infections in 35%, and dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) in 74.5%. Additionally, 98% of patients had greying hair, 71% had androgenetic alopecia, and 72.5% had vertical ridging of nails. No cases of malignancy were reported. The study highlighted the prevalence of skin conditions in the elderly and noted regional and ethnic variations in these conditions. It also acknowledged limitations due to potential referral bias and the challenge of distinguishing physiological from pathological changes in older populations.