Skin Diseases in Geriatric Patients: One-year Single Center Experience

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and frequency of skin diseases in geriatric age group, as well as the variation of this frequency according to age, sex, and season. Methods: Data from 1039 geriatric patients admitted to dermatology clinic between January 1, 2022 and January 1,2023 were retrospectively analysed according to sex, age and seasons. Results: The five most frequently observed disease groups in elderly patients were eczematous dermatitis (22.4%), fungal infections (14.4%), infestations (10.1%), pruritus (6.9%), and premalignant skin lesions (6.4%). The most common five dermatologic diseases in all patients were contact dermatitis (11.16%), scabies (8%), tinea ungium (6.8%), actinic keratosis (6.1%), and generalized pruritus (6.1%), respectively. Generalized pruritus was significantly less frequent in the 65-74 age group compared with the other two groups (p<0.001), whereas fungal infections were significantly more frequent (p=0.001). Malignant lesions were significantly more frequent in the age group ≥85 years than in the other two groups (p<0.001). The incidence of skin ulcers was significantly higher in the age group ≥85 than in the age group 65-74 (p=0.04). Conclusion: This study revealed a high incidence of scabies in the elderly population, which is an uncommon finding compared to previous studies. This increase reflects the rising incidence of scabies in our country in recent years. Increased awareness of skin diseases among the elderly can contribute to preventive medicine, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of these conditions.