Which condition may cause non-benign skin lesions in the elderly?

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that can manifest as various skin lesions. In the elderly, the immune response may be diminished, allowing dermatophytes to cause more severe skin problems. This condition is characterized by lesions that can resemble other skin conditions, including non-benign ones like squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma if misdiagnosed or untreated.

Elderly patients with dermatophytosis often present with atypical presentations due to changes in skin structure and moisture levels, which can complicate the diagnosis. As such, a thorough evaluation is required for any skin lesions in this demographic to rule out malignancies.

Other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are generally considered chronic but do not typically lead to non-benign lesions. Instead, they are more related to inflammation and do not carry the same risk of mimicking or evolving into malignancies compared to dermatophytosis. Thus, identifying dermatophytosis as a potential cause of non-benign skin lesions is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment in the elderly population.