Population ageing is a global phenomenon. Multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, age-related alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and skin changes in the elderly all contribute to a distinct diagnostic and treatment issue. This article discusses the epidemiology of cutaneous adverse medication responses in the elderly and expands on a few particular types of reactions that are more common in the elderly. Chronic dermatoses, such as eczema, have been linked to the use of long-term medicines such as calcium channel blockers and hydrochlorothiazide. Chemotherapy-related cutaneous adverse effects in the elderly, particularly those linked with newer ‘targeted’ molecular treatments, are possible. Elderly individuals who experience severe cutaneous adverse medication responses, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have a lower death rate.
People in their advanced years frequently have several comorbidities and are on multiple medicines. As a result, an aged individual is more likely to get drug eruptions. The doctor must be aware of the variety of drug-related eruptions and their consequences.
