Dermatologic analysis in elderly patients during balneotherapy

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to determine skin changes due to balneotherapy in elderly patients who were treated with termal therapy for rheumatismal pain. Material and Methods Older than 50 years old 51 patients with generalize ostoarthritis were treated with balneotherapy enrolled our study in October- November 2009. All patients treated 21 days with balneotherapy. Patient's skin analyses were done twice, at first day and 19th day of the treatment. Skin analyses were done at face region and fore arm flexor region. Moisturing, elasticity, pigmentation, fat ratio assessed in skin analysis. Results 20 male and 31 female, totally 51 patients were enrolled our study. Before balneotherapy, mean moisturing was %67, after balneotherapy mean moisturing decreased %47 at fore arm region. After balneotherapy, mean moisturing at face decreased from %54 to %45. Fat ratio decreased from %28 to %20 Before balneotherapy and after balneotherapy elasticity and pigmentation differences were not significant statistically. Conclusion By aging, skin becomes sensitive to environmental factors. Dry skin is a usual problem during balneotherapy. Patients with dry skin have pruritus and discomfort. We suggest patients treated with balneotherapy to use moisturing cream for protecting dry skin problems during balneotherapy.