Geriatric dermatoses: a clinical review of skin diseases in an aging population

Int J Dermatol. 2012 May;51(5):509-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05311.x.

Abstract

Geriatric dermatoses are a challenging job for the physician in terms of diagnosis, management, and followup. Since skin of the elderly population is going through a lot of changes from both an intrinsic and extrinsic point of view, it is imperative for the physician to have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of geriatric skin disorders and their specific management, which differs slightly from an adult population. This review focuses on a brief introduction to the pathophysiological aspects of skin disorders in elderly, the description of some common geriatric skin disorders and their management and the new emerging role of psychodermatological aspects of geriatric dermatoses is also discussed. At the end, ten multiple choice questions are also added to further enhance the knowledge base of the readers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Disorders / complications
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / pathology
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / therapy
  • Pressure Ulcer / etiology
  • Pressure Ulcer / prevention & control
  • Skin Aging*
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology
  • Skin Diseases / psychology
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / microbiology
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / virology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy