Objective: To study the pattern of skin diseases in hypertensive and diabetic geriatric population.
Methodology: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. A total of 463 patients aged 65 years and older of either gender presenting with a skin disease were included in the study.
Results: Mean age of participants was 73.12±6.65 years. Eczema was dominant, found in 16% of diabetic and 19% hypertensive elderly, it was significantly linked with hypertension. Among infections, fungal diseases were most prevalent. No significant association was found between cutaneous fungal infection and diabetes. Immuno-bullous disorders (9%), viral infections (7.5%), pruritis (5.4%) and xerosis (6.48%) were also prominent dermatoses in elderly.
Conclusion: Geriatric population with diabetes and hypertension had high frequency of fungal infections and eczema. Knowledge among geriatric population regarding skin care is needed to reduce the risk of skin diseases.
Key words: Geriatric patients, hypertension, diabetes,eczema, xerosis.
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