Skin diseases

Abstract

Despite the increasing numbers of elderly subjects in society, the characteristic changes of old age such as the presence of wrinkles and grey hair still carry social stigma. This is taken advantage of by a cosmetics industry which produces enormous numbers of products to disguise aging. Contrary to popular belief, elderly people are often anxious to look attractive. Elderly patients present to dermatologists with a variety of skin problems. These may be directly related to aging (e.g. carcinogenesis) or may be common problems whose clinical expression, physical and emotional consequences and management may be altered by the age of the patient. A survey of elderly patients by Beauregard and Gilchrest revealed that two-thirds had symptoms relating to their skin and that this rose to 83% in subjects over 80 years.