Abstract
Objectives
The goal of the study was to determine the rates of xeroderma, itch, problems caused by adhesive skin patches, and countermeasures against such problems in facilities for the elderly.
Methods
An Internet-based questionnaire survey was administered to 1,000 physicians working in facilities for elderly people.
Results and Discussion
Answers suitable for analysis were obtained from 210 physicians (response rate: 21.0%). In facilities in which treatment by a physician was available, xeroderma with itch or without itch occurred in 37.0% of residents. This rate is lower than the previously reported rate, suggesting that some cases are overlooked. Skin care with a moisturizing agent was provided to 39.7% of the residents who received examinations, and this rate was similar to the prevalence of xeroderma. This suggests that a moisturizing agent is used when a diagnosis of xeroderma is made in facilities for the elderly. However, this also means that no moisturizing agent is used when xeroderma is not confirmed, resulting in insufficient skin care. The rate of use of an adhesive skin patch was 17.5% in residents who received examinations. The incidence of skin symptoms caused by such a patch was 22.7%, and these symptoms led to 32.6% of the residents suspending or stopping use of the patch. Daily skin care for xeroderma is needed to improve skin symptoms caused by an adhesive skin patch. Nurses informed physicians of patients with xeroderma in over 70% of cases. Most physicians in facilities for the elderly are not dermatologists, and therefore it is particularly important to strengthen relationships with medical staff and to educate and enlighten staff about the problems of dry skin.
