PATTERN OF SKIN DISEASES IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Ageing is a complex process that is due to accumulation of molecular damage over time. Ageing is a biological reality which has its own dynamics beyond human control. People aged 60+ years are generally referred to as older population. Both intrinsic ageing (genetic, chronological ageing) and extrinsic ageing (environmental, photo-ageing) contribute to cutaneous ageing. Common skin disorders in elderly are xerosis, pruritus, dermatoheliosis, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angioma, herpes zoster, dermatophytosis, cellulitis and eczemas. With this background, I propose this study to determine the pattern of cutaneous manifestations in geriatric population attending tertiary care centre.