Skin Disorders in Older Adults: Eczematous and Xerotic Inflammatory Conditions, Part 1
Because epidermal integrity decreases with age, eczematous inflammatory dermatoses are more common among older adults than among younger persons.
ABSTRACT: Because epidermal integrity decreases with age, eczematous inflammatory dermatoses are more common among older adults than among younger persons. Initial therapy for seborrheic dermatitis consists of mild topical corticosteroids (class IV or weaker) and topical antifungal agents used once or twice a day, either alone or in combination. The goal of therapy for xerosis is to keep the skin moist. Topical corticosteroids are not needed; however, these agents are used to treat a related condition-asteatotic eczema. The cornerstones of treatment of nummular dermatitis are emollients and topical corticosteroids.
Key words: eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis, asteatotic eczema, nummular dermatitis
Inflammatory skin disorders are manifestations-for the most part-of the immune response, which wanes with age.1 Thus, it is not surprising that most of these dermatoses are less common in older adults. However, because epidermal integrity also decreases with age, the prevalence of eczematous inflammatory dermatoses is higher among persons older than 60 years.
In this article, I focus on seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis, asteatotic eczema, and nummular dermatitis; I describe and illustrate these conditions, and I discuss their treatment. In a coming issue, I will address stasis dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.
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