What does this research mean for the field?

The most common cause of chronic pruritus in the elderly is xerosis or asteatotic eczema, which is significantly exacerbated by poor skin care habits such as failing to moisturize and vigorous drying after bathing. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, causes, and severity of chronic itch in elderly patients, along with their skin care habits.

March 25, 2026Journal of The Indian Academy of GeriatricsOpen Access

Chronic Itch in the Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Rajasthan

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Authors

MZMohammed Zahid AMAsit Mittal RSRaju Singh

Discussion

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Overview

Observational study assesses chronic itch causes in elderly, highlighting the impact of skin care practices.

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, causes, and severity of chronic itch in elderly patients, along with their skin care habits.
Observational descriptive study
Cross-sectional design
300 elderly patients aged 60 and above
Complete cutaneous and systemic examination
Data recorded in a pre-designed proforma
Most common cause of itch identified as xerosis/asteatotic eczema (28%)
4.3% had systemic causes
1.7% had neuropathic itch
10% of cases had unknown causes
Higher xerosis incidence in those not moisturizing post-bath (60.8%) and practicing vigorous drying (58.4%)

Cite This Study

Zahid et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c37bd4b34aaaeb1a67e8b7 https://doi.org/10.4103/jiag.jiag_114_25

View Full Paper

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March 25, 2026Journal of The Indian Academy of GeriatricsOpen Access

Chronic Itch in the Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Rajasthan

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

MZMohammed Zahid AMAsit Mittal RSRaju Singh

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Observational study assesses chronic itch causes in elderly, highlighting the impact of skin care practices.

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, causes, and severity of chronic itch in elderly patients, along with their skin care habits.
Observational descriptive study
Cross-sectional design
300 elderly patients aged 60 and above
Complete cutaneous and systemic examination
Data recorded in a pre-designed proforma
Most common cause of itch identified as xerosis/asteatotic eczema (28%)
4.3% had systemic causes
1.7% had neuropathic itch
10% of cases had unknown causes
Higher xerosis incidence in those not moisturizing post-bath (60.8%) and practicing vigorous drying (58.4%)

Cite This Study

Zahid et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c37bd4b34aaaeb1a67e8b7 https://doi.org/10.4103/jiag.jiag_114_25

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark