Prevalence and Impact of Skin Disorders in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review

Skin disorders are a significant concern in palliative care settings, often complicating symptom management and reducing the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Despite their prevalence and impact, there is a lack of comprehensive research synthesizing the scope of skin disorders in palliative care. This systematic review explores the range of skin disorders experienced by palliative care patients, providing a thorough understanding essential for effective clinical management and improved patient outcomes. A meticulous literature search was performed across databases including b-on, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on studies involving human participants aged 18 and older in palliative care settings. The inclusion criteria covered randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals, specifically addressing skin disorders as a primary focus or a significant aspect of palliative care. Out of an initial 347 articles, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. This review identified pruritus, pressure ulcers, and dermatitis as the most common skin disorders, significantly affecting patients' physical comfort, emotional well-being, and social interactions. These findings emphasize the complexity of managing skin disorders in palliative care, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and tailored interventions to meet the diverse needs of this population. This review underscores the critical role of recognizing, assessing, and managing skin disorders to improve the quality of life for palliative care patients. Future research should prioritize developing and implementing targeted strategies to mitigate the burden of skin disorders in this vulnerable group, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.