Background: Pruritus is the most common cutaneous symptom in geriatric population. Pruritus in aging skin may reflect primary skin disease, systemic disease or arise idiopathically. Aim of the study is to describe the various clinical patterns of presentation and etiological factors of generalized pruritus among elderly patients attending dermatology OPD, and to determine the quality of life in elderly patients with generalized pruritus. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 95 elderly patients with generalized pruritus, who attended the outpatient department of Dermatology of a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, South India from November 2018 to May 2020. Detailed history and complete clinical examination and investigations were carried out. Severity of pruritus was assessed using 5-D itch questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using dermatology life quality index (DLQI). All data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: This study highlights the various etiological factors, co-morbidities associated with generalized pruritus in elderly and how it affects their quality of life. Conclusion: Generalized pruritus among elderly can be an important dermatologic clue for the presence of a significant underlying systemic disease. Proper examination of skin and relevant investigation would help in finding the etiology and optimising management.

Background: Pruritus is the most common cutaneous symptom in geriatric population. Pruritus in aging skin may reflect primary skin disease, systemic disease or arise idiopathically. Aim of the study is to describe the various clinical patterns of presentation and etiological factors of generalized pruritus among elderly patients attending dermatology OPD, and to determine the quality of life in elderly patients with generalized pruritus. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 95 elderly patients with generalized pruritus, who attended the outpatient department of Dermatology of a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, South India from November 2018 to May 2020. Detailed history and complete clinical examination and investigations were carried out. Severity of pruritus was assessed using 5-D itch questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using dermatology life quality index (DLQI). All data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: This study highlights the various etiological factors, co-morbidities associated with generalized pruritus in elderly and how it affects their quality of life. Conclusion: Generalized pruritus among elderly can be an important dermatologic clue for the presence of a significant underlying systemic disease. Proper examination of skin and relevant investigation would help in finding the etiology and optimising management.