Skin Tears

Skin tears

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About Symptoms Causes Treatment

About

Skin tears are a form of traumatic wound that occur predominantly in older adults due to the skin becoming thinner and more fragile as part of the natural aging process amd other factors. However, they can also occur in younger individuals under certain conditions.

About

Symptoms

  • A break in the skin, typically with a flap of skin that may be partially or completely detached.
  • Pain and bleeding at the site of the tear.
  • Bruising and swelling around the wound.
  • The tear may appear moist and red or pink if fresh, and darker or discolored if older.
Symptoms

Causes

Skin tears are usually caused by mechanical forces such as:

  • Shearing, when the skin is pulled in one direction while the underlying bone and muscle are pulled in the opposite direction.
  • Friction, which occurs when the skin rubs against a surface.
  • Blunt force trauma, such as bumping into objects or falls.
  • Medical adhesives or tapes that pull on the skin when removed.

Risk factors that make someone more susceptible to skin tears include:

  • Advanced age, as skin loses collagen and elastin over time.
  • Chronic or long-term steroid use.
  • Poor nutrition and hydration.
  • Specific diseases that affect the skin’s integrity, such as diabetes, vascular diseases, or dermatological conditions.
Causes

Treatment

The treatment of skin tears aims to promote healing, prevent infection, and manage pain:

  • Cleaning: Gently clean the wound with sterile saline or clean water to remove debris and contaminants.
  • Repositioning the Skin Flap: If possible, gently reposition the skin flap to cover the wound, which can protect the wound bed and reduce healing time. DO NOT CUT OFF THE SKIN FLAP.
  • Dressing: Apply a non-stick dressing to protect the wound and prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound bed. Change dressings regularly depending on the level of exudate and the condition of the dressing.
  • Securing the Dressing: Use a soft bandage to keep the dressing in place. Avoid using adhesive tapes directly on the skin.
Treatment