Dermatoses in the Elderly at the Dermatology Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Dermatoses in the Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing of the skin is a function of the intrinsic process of senescence that is modulated by environmental factors, like chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Skin disorders in the elderly are either specific for the ageing skin, or those occurring at all age groups; and their presentations are altered by physiologic, socioeconomic and physical factors that occurs in this age group.

Aim: To document the spectrum of skin disorders and the frequency of occurrence in patients aged 60 and above
seen at the Dermatology outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January 2004
and May 2009.

Method: A retrospective study of all patients from age 60 and above seen at the clinic. Case notes of all patients above the age of 60 years and above were retrieved. Data was obtained and analysed using Epi info version 3.2.2.

Results: A total of 10,296 patients were seen during the study period; 498 patients (4.8%) were aged 60 and above. There were 216 males (43.4%) and 282 females (56.6%) with a male to female ratio of 1:1.31. Fifty-two dermatoses were seen in this age group. The five commonest skin disorders were infections in 126 patients (25.3%), eczema in 93 patients (18.7%), papulosquamous disorders in 41 patients (8.2%), tumors in 27 patients (5.4%) and pruritus/prurigo nodules in 25 patients (5.0%).

Conclusion: Frequency of infective dermatoses is high in all age groups in Nigeria. However, physiologic immune suppression, prevailing poor socioeconomic conditions, physical disabilities and lack of care may contribute to the high frequency of infectious dermatoses in the elderly.
Keywords: dermatoses, elderly, infections, eczemas, UV radiation.