Dermatoporosis, a prevalent skin condition affecting the elderly: current situation and potential treatments

Clin Dermatol. 2019 Jul-Aug;37(4):346-350. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.04.006. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Abstract

The term "dermatoporosis" was introduced a decade ago to highlight the need to pay attention to the problems posed by premature skin aging beyond esthetic considerations. People with this condition have a thinner skin that becomes fragile, tends to tear, and may lead to deep dissecting hematomas-as a final stage-corresponding to a medical emergency. Various studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of dermatoporosis in the elderly, with women being more exposed than men. We have developed a scoring system for dermatoporosis, providing different strategies to treat and prevent this skin condition, as well as a followup of patients treated at the University Hospital of Geneva.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aging, Premature
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Skin Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Skin Diseases* / etiology