Characteristics of Atopic Dermatitis in Patients Over 60 Years of Age

Abstract

Agnieszka Bogacz-Piaseczy

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory and relapsing disease most commonly associated with elevated immuno- globulin E levels and a history of atopy, often coexisting with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, there is little data on the prevalence of allergies, including atopic diseases, in patients over 60. Aims: This study aimed to present AD’s characteristics and possible clinical differences in a prospective analysis of patients over 60 years of age compared to young patients. Material and Methods: Patients were evaluated according to the SCORAD score, total IgE and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) levels were measured using the Poly Check immunoenzymatic method, skin prick tests were performed and quality of life was assessed according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index. The study group comprised 144 subjects with a mean age of 66.3±4.54 years. The control group comprised 92 subjects with a mean age of 24.1±4.32 years. Results: Poorer quality of life and often inadequate AD treatment have been observed compared with younger people. In more than half of the elderly patients with AD, bad treatment was observed, and the use of drugs was ignificantly less frequent than in younger patients, except for topical steroid preparations. Conclusion: AD in patients over 60 years of age has similar clinical characteristics to younger people. The slight difference in allergy diagnostic results compared with younger people indicates the need to perform the same tests in seniors.

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