GERIATRIC DERMATOLOGY BY Girija charugundla. MD
SKIN CHANGES
• Intrinsic factors- decreased rate of epidermal turnover.
• Decreased activity of melanocytes, fibroblasts, langhans cells, sebaceous glands; increased collagen crosslinks
• Extrinsic factors – sun exposure , cigarettesmokig, weight gain
ITCHY SKIN
• Xerosis/ Asteotic Eczema
• Drug eruption
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic renal or liver disease
• Lymphoma
• scabies
ASTEOTIC ECZEMA
• Low humidity- winter, use of heaters
• Over bathing
• Failure to use emollients
• Decreased sebum production – intrinsic aging
ASTEOTIC ECZEMA
• Erythematous ,scaly, xerotic patches and plaques commonly on distal extensor legs and arms , back and lower abdomen .
• May be generalized
Rosacea
• Etiology unknown• Fair skinned individuals• Often associated with sun damaged skin• Often associated with blepharitis.
Blepharoconjunctivitis• Trigger factors- sun, hest/cold, stres.
Strong emollieints, hot liquids, sspicy foods , alcohol beverages, chemical irritants
Scabies
• Sarcoptes scabies mite
• Pruritis may be absent in older patients or those with dementia
• Nursing home patients
• Clinical presentation: Burrows, excoriated papules– Crusted scabies