Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Background: The elderly population is composed of persons over 65 years of age. There are limited studies in geriatric dermatology especially in our country. Aim of study: To evaluate frequency and clinical distribution of dermatological diseases among elderly patients attending outpatient clinic in AL-Sader medical city/AL-Najaf city. Methods: This is a one-year duration cross sectional study that has been conducted for all elderly patients from both sexes with dermatological complaint attending outpatient clinic in AL-Sader hospital in AL- Najaf city. Full medical history was taken and complete general and dermatological examinations were done. Further investigations and biopsies where performed when needed. Results: This study included 500 elderly patients with mean age of 68.5 +/- 5.7 years. Regarding gender, the male: female ratio was 1:1.06. Of 500 elderly patients, 125(25%) had infectious skin diseases, 86(17.2%) had dermatitis and eczema, 59 (11.8%) had pruritus, 56 (11.2%) had premalignant and cancerous skin condition, 48 (9.6%) had papulosquamous diseases, 26 (5.2%) had benign neoplastic and cyst, 22 (4.4%)had nail and appendageal skin diseases, 14 (2.8%) had urticarial and adverse cutaneous skin reaction, 12 (2.4%)had vesiculobullous diseases, 12 (2.4%) had pigmentary diseases, 6 (1.2%) had dermal connective tissue disease, 4 (0.8%) had metabolic, genetic, and systemic diseases, 3 (0.6%) had psychological skin diseases, 3 (0.6%) vasculitis, and 24 (4.8%) others. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, the following can be concluded: 1. The most frequent skin diseases were viral and fungal infections 2. Herpes Zoster is the most common viral infection. 3. High rate of fungal infection as related to high rate in general populations. 4. Low rate of bacterial infection reflect good quality of life. 5. Scabies is the most frequent skin infestation.