Cutaneous problems in elderly diabetics: A population-based comparative cross-sectional survey
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Background:
There are few population-based studies on prevalence of cutaneous problems in diabetes mellitus.
Aims:
To identify skin problems associated with diabetes mellitus among elderly persons in a village in Kerala.
Methods:
In this population-based cross-sectional survey, we compared the prevalence of skin problems among 287 elderly diabetics (aged 65 years or more) with 275 randomly selected elderly persons without diabetes mellitus.
Results:
Numbness, tingling and burning sensation of extremities,"prayer sign", finger pebbling, skin tags, stiff joints and acanthosis nigricans were noted more frequently in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics. Ache in extremities, dermatophytosis, candidiasis, seborrheic keratoses/dermatosis papulosa nigra, xerosis/ichthyosis, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, nonspecific itching, and eczema were equally frequent in both groups. Among the diagnostic categories, neurovascular, metabolic and autoimmune findings were associated with diabetes mellitus, whereas bacterial and fungal infections were not.
Limitations:
Initial misclassification errors, no laboratory confirmation of dermatological diagnosis during survey, coexistence of findings related to aging and not analyzing the effects of glycemic level, concurrent diseases and medications.
Conclusions:
Numbness, tingling and burning sensation of extremities, prayer sign, finger pebbling, skin tags, stiff joints and acanthosis nigricans were associated with diabetes mellitus among elderly persons in a village in Kerala.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...


