PRURITIC DERMATOSES AMONG THE ELDERLY: IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GERIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Abstract

Itching, or pruritus, is a frequent problem in the elderly that has a big impact on their everyday lives. The frequency, trends, and effects of pruritic illnesses on the quality of life in older people are examined in this study, highlighting the many difficulties this population faces.

Materials and Methods: 200 individuals 60 years of age and older who complained of pruritus participated in the study, which was conducted between February 2021 and July 2022 at Krishna Hospital in Karad. Clinical evaluations that were in-depth were carried out, including histories, skin checks, and medical histories. The effect of pruritus on quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire.

Results: 10.10% of the 1980 senior citizens who visited the outpatient department had pruritus. 55% of individuals reported having chronic pruritus. The quality of life was considerably damaged by dermatological problems (IFSI category 1), with 57% reporting a moderate impact. In 13 individuals, chronic pruritus was associated with significant impairment, highlighting the serious consequences.

Conclusion: The study shows that elderly people had a 10.10% prevalence of pruritic dermatoses. The most prevalent conditions, which adversely impacted patients in IFSI category 1, were fungus infections and scabies. Chronic itch significantly reduced quality of life. The importance of treating pruritic illnesses for improving elderly people's quality of life highlights the demand for specialized geriatric clinics and gerontodermatology as a specialty.