Skin and Scars Across Cultures: A Systematic Review on the Dermatological Impacts of Domestic Abuse

Despite the prevalence of domestic abuse and its profound dermatological impacts, there remains a scarcity of comprehensive research exploring this issue through a cross-cultural lens. The objective of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the dermatological impacts of domestic abuse across cultural contexts. This systematic review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Research studies focusing on individuals who have experienced domestic abuse in various cultural contexts were included. The primary exposure was domestic abuse, and studies investigating its dermatological impacts were eligible for inclusion. Eleven studies were included in the review. The majority of the included studies were observational studies (n=8) while four studies were case reports, covering diverse regions including North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. The majority of participants were female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), with mean ages typically falling in the early to mid-30s. The most frequently reported dermatological injuries included bruises and contusions primarily affecting the face, neck, upper and lower limbs, and scalp. Lacerations and incised wounds were reported in multiple studies, followed by abrasions, ecchymosis, burns, scarring, and permanent disfigurement. While the types of injuries were largely consistent across geographical settings, some regional patterns were observed. The findings highlight the global burden of dermatological injuries in survivors of domestic abuse. The findings suggest that while patterns of skin injuries are relatively consistent, cultural and regional factors may influence the nature and severity of injuries, warranting further investigation.