| Description |
The elderly population is growing rapidly. This, in combination with the chronicity of many dermatological conditions, results in a prevalent geriatric patient population in dermatology. Elderly dermatology patients have special needs in terms of treatment and care as a result of immunosenescence, comorbidities, mobility, and psychosocial factors. However, there is no subspecialty in dermatology focusing on this patient population and no consensus guidelines for optimal management of geriatric dermatology patients. Therefore, the goals of this pocketbook in Dermatogeriatrics are two-fold: 1) To serve as a practical reference for management of specific skin conditions, and 2) To serve as an instrument to encourage increased awareness of the unique considerations for the dermatological care of the elderly. The pocketbook in Dermatogeriatrics includes information about immunosenescence, comorbidities, innate skin changes with age, ultraviolet light induced skin changes, psychosocial, logistical, and physical considerations with age in dermatology, cutaneous signs of elder abuse and neglect, and a concluding chapter on the future of Dermatogeriatrics. It is the hope that this pocketbook may be a reference for clinicians as well as for caregivers for elderly patients with dermatological conditions. As the needs of the elderly in dermatology are unique, this is a timely matter for which a subspecialty in Dermatogeriatrics is warranted and for which this pocketbook may serve as a foundation for such a subspecialty. |
