Survey of skin lesions in the Filipino elderly

One hundred elderly Filipino patients, aged 60 and over were surveyed to identify past and present skin complaints, and the dermatologic findings on a total cutaneous examination. All patients were consulting at the dermatology clinical of a teaching hospital in the Philippines. The elderly were keen to recall past hypersensitivity reactions because of their dramatic symptoms. The most common dermatologic problem prompting consultation was lichen simplex chronicus. Although the population size was limited, dermatoses in the Filipino elderly were not uncommon, and they were also subject to the stigmata of aging. Similarities and differences to two American surveys are noted.