Dermatoses in the Elderly Within a Duodecennial Era at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH): A Retrospective Review

¹Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Rivers State University & Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

²Dermatology in Clinical Practice, University of South Wales, UK

³Community Medicine Department, Rivers State University & Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

⁴Nursing Services Department, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Ekechi Stella Amadi, Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Rivers State University & Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria & Dermatology in Clinical Practice, University of South Wales, UK, Phone: 08032790394; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: October 27, 2024

Publication Date: December 14, 2024

Citation: Amadi ES, et al. (2024). Dermatoses in the Elderly Within a Duodecennial Era at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH): A Retrospective Review. Dermis. 4(4):23.

Copyright: Amadi ES, et al. © (2024).

ABSTRACT

Background: The population of older adults have been rising steadily across the globe. This increase is even noticed in the rural areas. Aging is associated with a lot of skin changes that predisposes older persons to skin diseases. Skin care in older adults is of importance contrary to the poor perception that older adults are not concerned about their skin. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the various dermatoses that affected the older adults who visited the skin clinic under the period stated. The various causes would be evaluated and literature review with special focus on Africa would be discussed as well. Methods and Materials: Data which includes the socio-demographics and diagnoses for those aged 60 years and above were taken from the new patient registers of the dermatology clinic. The data was entered into a data spread sheet and was analysed. The frequencies were represented in tables for better visualization. Result: Those aged 60 years and above consisted of 9.4% of the total patients who attended the dermatology clinic of RSUTH over the twelve year period. The proportion of males was 38.8% and that of females was 61.2%. The age range was 60-92 years. Those who visited from the rural areas constituted 10.4% of the older population. The commonest dermatoses found within this group were eczemas including allergic skin reactions and photodermatitis; Tinea infections, vitiligo, ulcers, generalized pruritus, lichenoid eruptions, urticarias and dermatosis papulosa nigra in a descending order. Conclusion: A variety of dermatoses were seen among the older adults. The findings are similar to other studies done within the same region.

Keywords: Dermatoses, Elderly, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital