Chronic Itch in the Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Rajasthan

Background: Chronic pruritus refers to almost daily itching lasting more than 6 weeks. It is the most frequent symptom in dermatological condition in elderly and has demonstrated a significant impact on patient’s quality of life. Senescent barrier failure, immunosenescence and neurodegenerative disorders all afflict elderly people commonly and can produce pruritus. Aims: To assess in detail, clinical characteristics, causes and severity of chronic itch and its association with skin care habits in elderly patients. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with cross sectional design carried out on 300 elderly patient (≥60 years age) attending dermatology outpatient of tertiary care centre of South Rajasthan with primary complaint of chronic itch. All study participants after taking consent were subjected to complete cutaneous and systemic examination and the finding were recorded in a pre-designed proforma. Results: Most common cause was xerosis/ asteatotic eczema (84; 28 %). In 13 (4.3%) patients systemic cause was found. Five (1.7%) patients had neuropathic itch and 2 (0.7%) patients had psychosomatic itch. In 30 patients (10%), cause of itch couldn’t be identified. Xerosis presence was much higher in patients who did not moisturize after bath (60.8%; p value < .05) practicing vigorous drying (58.4%; p value <.05) of skin. Conclusion: Most common cause of pruritus in elderly is xerosis/asteatotic eczema. Bathing and skin care habits of elderly individuals have a significant impact on the barrier dysfunction and the consequent itch.