Prevalence of skin diseases in old age

The prevalence of skin disorders was studied in an elderly population comprising 584 individuals. The mean age was 80 years (range 55-106). The prevalence of pityriasis of the scalp and asteatosis was high, 44.3% and 28.9%, respectively. Psoriasis vulgaris was found in 2.9%, vitiligo in 1.2%, and contact dermatitis in 3.8% of the group.