Exploring Physiological Differences in Injury Response by Skin Tone: A Scoping Review

This scoping review investigates the physiological differences in pressure ulcer (PU) response among individuals with varying skin tones, emphasizing that dark skin is more prone to severe PUs due to factors like reduced ceramide content, which compromises barrier integrity, and challenges in early detection. Despite structural differences, the risk of PU formation is similar across skin types when mechanical stress exceeds a critical threshold. The review identifies key physiological factors such as tissue ischemia, collagen density, and inflammatory responses, and calls for further research to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities. Five articles met the inclusion criteria, providing insights into the relationship between skin tone and PU susceptibility.