Prevalence and risk factors for xerosis in the elderly: A cross-sectional epidemiological study in primary care

Abstract

Background: Limited information is available concerning the prevalence and risk factors of xerosis in the elderly. Objective: To establish the prevalence of xerosis and associated factors in elderly patients. Methods: A national, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study in patients aged 65 or older was performed. The data collected by general practitioners were demographics and medical history, including history of atopic disease. Xerosis was evaluated using the Overall Dry Skin score. Results: 756 patients were included. The prevalence of xerosis was 55.6%. Xerosis was significantly associated with older age (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16-1.89), female sex (OR: 1.80, 95 CI%: 1.29-2.53), treatments that can potentially cause xerosis (OR: 2.21, 95 CI%: 1.54-3.17), itching during sweating (OR: 7.11, 95% CI: 3.90-12.95), a history of dry skin (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.65-5.08) and a history of atopic dermatitis (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.99-6.52). Conclusion: Xerosis is highly prevalent in the elderly. A history of atopy, especially atopic dermatitis, is associated with an increased risk of xerosis in the elderly. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.