Improving Intervention Effectiveness for Eczema Treatment Among Older Adults

Due to a high burden of eczema among older adults 65 years of age and older living in the community, researchers found that a community-based approach for this population could help identify cases and offer improved care closer to their homes.  

“There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons,” explained the researchers of the study.   

In order to estimate the prevalence and types of eczema among this patient population living in the community and to also evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions, the research team conducted a cross-sectional survey. Trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population, and they identified older adults likely to have eczema. Once participants were surveyed and identified, dermatologists examined the participants to ascertain the diagnosis.  

Of the 385 older adults surveyed in the community, the health care workers identified 98 participants with possible cases of eczema. And of the 98 identified participants, 44 were confirmed to have eczema—a diagnostic accuracy of health workers equaling 46.3%.  

According to the findings, the point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385), and the prevalence was found to be similar among males and females. Furthermore, among adults 81 years of age and older, prevalence of eczema was higher (18.2%).  

The researchers found that the most commonly reported types of eczema included, asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema, and lichen simplex chronicus.

“There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community,” researchers concluded.  

“A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.” 

Reference:

Neena V, Asokan N, Jose R, Sarin A. Prevalence of eczema among older persons: A population-based cross-sectional study [published online ahead of print, 2021 Aug 1]. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2021;1-5. doi:10.25259/IJDVL_990_19