nutriciencies in geriatric dermatology

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Elderly people are at high risk of developing malnutrition. The causes of malnutrition seem to be multifactorial; physiologic, pathologic, psychologic and SOCIOeconomIC. The most common nutritional deficiency related -skin dermatoses associated with old people were as follow: Macronutrient deficiency(protein, carbohydrates and fatty acid deficiency) which leads to various skin manifestations e.g.: xerOSIS, dermatitis, pruritus, increased susceptibility to infections. Protein-energy malnutrition is the most prevalent nutritional disease, and it exists in two forms; marasmus in which patients present with less than 60% of the expected body weight. It results from prolonged deficiency of protein, calories, and recurrent infections. Kwashiorkor presents with edema and 60-80% decrease of the expected body weight.130 -