Abhishek Singh

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly population is susceptible to many cutaneous diseases, simultaneously leading to impairment of quality of life in them. Aim: To determine the clinical pattern of various dermatological disorders and their burden in the elderly population. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on one hundred and four patients aged more than 60 years of age attending the outpatient clinic. History regarding cutaneous complaints, present and past medical ailments was captured. After that complete general physical and systemic examination was carried out. Detailed dermatological examination was done. Relevant investigations were carried out. Results: Seborrheic Keratosis was the most common (54.8%) benign condition seen among study subjects. Infection and Infestation was seen in 29.8% subjects. Eczema was reported in 24% elderly. Papulosquamous skin disorders were observed in 7.7%. Vesicobullous disorder and pigmentary disorder were seen in 1.9% subjects each. Pruritus was the commonest complaint observed. Thirty four percent subjects were suffering from diabetes whereas 22.1% had hypertension. Guttate hypomelanosis was seen in 63.5%. Senile lentigens and comedones were seen in 54.8% and 39.4% subjects respectively. Conclusion: Dermatological problems are quite common in geriatric population. We noted various kinds of pathological and atypical changes in the skin of studied people. Early detection and management of such lesions are crucial. Keywords: Elderly, Dermatoses, Pruritus, Xerosis.

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Abstract

Introduction: Evidance has suggested that Vitamin D may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). Vitamin D may prove as a geme changer in the management of alopecia patients. Aim: To study find the correlation, if any, between Alopecia areata and levels of Vitamin D. Materials and Methods: This investigation included 100 cases of alopecia areata with age- and sexmatched healthy persons. Study subjects were grouped as per extent, pattern and severity of alopecia. Levels of vitamin D were evaluated and group wise comparision was made between cases and controls. Correlations were derived after analyzing the collected data. Results: Mean serum Vitamin D levels was found to be 22.8710.03 ng/ml among cases. Serum Vitamin D level was found to be 26.0410.06 ng/mL where scalp involvement was between 0%–24%. Levels droped to 24.63 9.82 ng/mL when scalp involvement was 25%–49%. Levels of Vitamin D further dropped to 11.914.18 ng/mL and 11.914.18 ng/mL where scalp involvement was graded as S4 and S5 respectively. Negative correlation (r = ???? 0.264) was noted between extent of Alopecia Areata and Vitamin D levels. Serum Vitamin D level was found to be 25.589.82 ng/mL among subjects graded as having alopecia circumscripta. Levels of Vitamin D further dropped to 12.28 5.06 ng/mL and 11.27 5.90 ng/mL where extent of scalp involvement was graded as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis respectively. Conclusion: Vitamin D levels were unsatisfactory in the study subjects of group 1(cases) in relation to subjects of group 2(controls). Vitamin D levels had inverse correlation with the pattern of alopecia in these patients. Such findings points towards a probable association between alopecia areata and Vitamin D deficient levels. Keywords: Casecontrol study, Alopecia areata, SALT score, Vitamin D.

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