ABSTRACT
No extensive studies are available in the literature on the eventual skin pathology induced in elderly individuals. There are many factors such as health status, hygiene, socioeconomic status, residence and climate which can play an important role in addition to the aging process. This sudy was carried out to identify some sociodemographic, economic and familial characteristics of elderly skin patients and to determine the environmental and hygienic factors and the systemic diseases associated with skin diseases. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on about I57skin diseased elderly [118 males and 39 females] who were attending the dermatologic clinic of the health insurance sector in Zagazig city throughout March[1999]. Data were collected via a questionnaire including questions about the personal, socioeconmic and hygienic factors in addtion to the degree of exposure to sun rays and the presence of chronic systemic diseases. This study revealed that the majority of the studied group aged 60 5 hours/day] more than urbans. So, elderly rurals were having infectious skin diseases [38.8%] and sun-induced dermatosis [15.3%] more than urbans. Also, the study revealed a statistical significant association between chronic systemic diseases and skin disorders.This study concluded that skin infections were the main skin diseases affected the studied group of elders especially males, rurals and those having chronic systemic diseases. Also, hygienic practice and duration of sun exposure were important contributing factors. So, this study recommends a preventive health education program for elderly population about self-care, personal hygiene and avoidance of long exposure to sun rays. Also, it recommends special attention for elderly having chronic systemic diseases especially diabetes to prevent their complications and to improve the quality of life of this vulnerable group