Two hundred and eighty-six patients over the age of 65 (age range 65-102, mean age 82 years), who were hospitalized in geriatric wards, were examined clinically for the presence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia and senile comedones. The degree of solar elastotic change present was scored on a visual analogue scale. The prevalence rate of sebaceous gland hyperplasia and of senile comedones was found to be 26% in each case. Approximately one third of patients had both lesions. Neither of these lesions was related to either the degree of solar elastotic change or the skin type with regard to tanning ability. It was concluded that chronic solar exposure was not a likely cause of these common conditions.