The Prevalence of Skin Diseases Among the Geriatric Patients in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency as well the age and gender distribution of dermatological diseases in patients over 65 years of age. Methods: The retrospective study included 5961 elderly patients admitted to the Department of Dermatology at the University of Yazunen Yil, Faculty of Medicine and Dermatology Clinic at the Van Research and Training Hospital, Van, Turkey, between December 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010. Their ages, gender and dermatological diagnosis were recorded and analysed using SPSS Version 11. Results: Of the patients, 2496 (41.9%) were female, and 3465 (58.1%) were male. The age range was from 65 to 102 years, with the mean age being 73.34 +/- 6.230 years. The female-to-male ratio was 0.7. The most commonly seen diseases were eczematous dermatitis, 1949 (32.7%); fungal infections 617(10.4%); pruritus 526 (8.8%); urticaria-angioedema 449 (7.5%); and bacterial infections 417 (7%), respectively. The other commonly seen diseases were xerosis 321 (5.4%); benign neoplasm 171 (2.9%); viral infections 166 (2.8%); acneiform disorders 135 (2.3%); ad lichen planus 90 (1.5%). Conclusion: Dermatological diseases were found to be common among the elderly in the study region. Most of the diseases could possibly have been prevented. As such raising general awareness is critical in minimising the incidence of dermatological disorders.