Full Answer
What are the most common causes of skin tears?
Skin tears are among the most common forms of injury due to a wide variety of causes, and often occur in elderly people and premature newborns. People who are immobile, have a chronic illness, or take steroids for a long period of time can also develop skin tears.
What is the severity of skin tear?
Severity may vary by depth (not extending through the subcutaneous layer). Skin tears are acute wounds, which have a high probability of becoming complex chronic wounds, if not properly managed. Individuals suffering from skin tears complain of increased pain and decreased Quality of Life.
Which age groups have the greatest number of skin tears?
Medline and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies and systematic reviews on skin tear prevention and treatment. The literature suggested that the greatest number of skin tears occurs among the elderly (65 years and older).
How common are skin tears in nursing home residents?
Skin tears occur in 2.1% of men and 4.6% of women living in the community, and 9% of residents in skilled nursing facilities. Prevention of skin tears means making the environment as safe as possible and protecting the skin.
Why do we tear our skin?
It is common as we age because the blood vessels that perfuse skin get more sclerotic and feed less moisture and nutrients to the skin tissue. 1. PIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images.
What are the risk factors for skin tears?
They include: Elderly people, particularly those who are frail and require assistance moving around. Infants, as they are at a higher risk of falling or bumping into objects.
How long does it take for a skin tear to heal?
The length of time that it takes for a skin tear to heal depends on the type of skin tear and your overall health. Most skin tears can resolve in four weeks, but after four weeks they are considered chronic. 4.
How to heal a tear in the skin?
Before you begin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and put on gloves if they're available. Steps to take: 1 If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate it as much as possible. 2 Rinse the skin tear with tap water or a saline solution. Be careful not to tear the skin worse and do not use hydrogen peroxide or other products—water or saline is just fine. 3 Either let the skin tear air dry or pat it dry very carefully. Do not rub it. 4 If there is a flap of skin, gently lay it back in place or as close as possible. Do not stretch it too far or force it in any way. 5 Cover the skin tear with a dressing that is appropriate for skin tears.
How to treat a skin tear?
Either let the skin tear air dry or pat it dry very carefully. Do not rub it. If there is a flap of skin, gently lay it back in place or as close as possible. Do not stretch it too far or force it in any way. Cover the skin tear with a dressing that is appropriate for skin tears.
How to heal a bleed from a wound?
Steps to take: If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate it as much as possible. Rinse the skin tear with tap water or a saline solution. Be careful not to tear the skin worse and do not use hydrogen peroxide or other products—water or saline is just fine.
Why do people have thin skin?
People who have thin skin due to long-term use of certain medications, such as topical cortisone creams
Where do skin tears occur?
Skin tears can occur on any part of the body , but are particularly common in populations with fragile skin, such as the elderly, chronic or critically ill, neonates and pediatrics.
What is skin tear?
A skin tear is a traumatic wound caused by mechanical forces, including removal of adhesives. Severity may vary by depth (not extending through the subcutaneous layer). Skin tears are acute wounds, which have a high probability of becoming complex chronic wounds, if not properly managed. Individuals suffering from skin tears complain ...
What is the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel?
LeBlanc K, Baranoski S. International Skin Tear Advisory Panel: A tool kit to aid in the prevention, assessment and treatment of skin tears using a simplified classification system. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2013;26 (10): 459-478.
How to prevent skin tears?
The following precautions can help minimize the risk of developing skin tears in at-risk patients and to minimize complications in patients already exhibiting symptoms: 1 Create a safe environment for the individual that will minimize the potential of bumping or knocking into furniture. 2 When possible, pad and protect the extremities. 3 Maintain skin integrity through a consistent skin care regimen and proper nutritional and fluid intake. 4 Wear protective footwear and clothing to reduce the risk of injury. 5 Ensure safe patient handling techniques are being used to limit risk of injury. 6 Avoid the use of adhesive products on frail skin.
How to minimize the risk of developing skin tears in at-risk patients?
The following precautions can help minimize the risk of developing skin tears in at-risk patients and to minimize complications in patients already exhibiting symptoms: Create a safe environment for the individual that will minimize the potential of bumping or knocking into furniture.
What to look for when dressing a skin tear?
In selecting a dressing to use on a skin tear, look for a dressing and medical adhesives that will allow for atraumatic removal, extended wear time, and moist wound healing. If the dressing is opaque, use an arrow to indicate the direction in which the dressing should be removed so as not to disturb the flap.
What are the risk factors for age-related skin diseases?
Intrinsic age-related risk factors: dermal and subcutaneous tissue loss, thinning of the epidermis, decrease in skin moisture, elasticity, and tensile strength.
What are skin tears?
Skin tears are injuries which can cause partial or full separation of the outer layers of a person’s skin. They can occur because of shearing and friction forces or a blunt trauma. A partial thickness wound occurs when the epidermis is separated from the dermis and a full thickness wound occurs when both the epidermis and the dermis separate from the underlying structures. While skin tears can sometimes be considered a minor injury, they can lead to complications including infection or a compromised vascular (vein) status. This, in turn, can increase morbidity and/or mortality risks.
Where is Tower Wound Care Center located?
Tower Wound Care Center treats patients with skin tears from their six convenient locations in located in Los Angeles, Encino, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, and Lynwood, CA . Ensuring they receive the best care available for these wounds.
How many people have skin tears?
Skin tears occur in 2.1% of men and 4.6% of women living in the community, and 9% of residents in skilled nursing facilities. Prevention of skin tears means making the environment as safe as possible and protecting the skin. Skin protection strategies:
What causes skin tears?
Shear forces, friction, and pressure cause delicate skin to come apart with brief, light pressure. Any bump, injury, or even removing a bandage can cause a skin tear. The smallest injuries can cause bruising. The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, separates from the dermis (inner layer). Sometimes, both layers separate from deeper tissue. Why aging skin tears:
How do you fix skin tears?
When caring for skin tears, the goal is to keep the wound free from infection, protect the surrounding skin, and keep the wound moist to promote healing.
How to clean a wound with a flap?
Clean the wound and the skin flap using saline or mild soap and water.
What happens when skin surface pH is increased?
Increased skin surface pH increases the risk of infection.
Are skin tears serious?
Skin tears can be serious, especially if they get infected. Watch for:
When do skin tears occur?
Rationale: When skin tears are reported, the causative factor is often not known. 25–27 Nevertheless, skin tears are frequently linked to wheelchair injuries, falls, transfers, or blunt trauma from bumping into objects. 4,5 Skin tears are also reported to occur around peak care times. White et al. concluded that most skin tears occur during the peak activity hours of 0600 to 1100 and 1500 to 2100. 25
What is skin tear?
ISTAP defines a skin tear as “a wound caused by shear, friction, and/or blunt force resulting in separation of skin layers. A skin tear can be partial-thickness (separation of the epidermis from the dermis) or full-thickness (separation of both the epidermis and dermis from underlying structures).” 1,2.
How to help diminish the impact of skin tears on patients and the healthcare system?
To help diminish the impact of skin tears on patients and the healthcare system, clinicians must implement a systematic prevention program. The ISTAP has created a tool kit for the prevention, identification, and treatment of skin tears. Each component of the tool kit has been developed to complement other components. For complete information, visit http:www.skintears.org.
What is the skin tear decision algorithm?
Skin Tear Decision Algorithm, designed to help clinicians assess and treat skin tears, complement the pathway to the assessment/treatment of skin tears, and assist in skin tear classification and wound assessment. This algorithm links the classification and wound assessment to product selection options specific to skin tears and local wounds. The skin tear decision algorithm serves as a continuing link between assessing and treating skin tears. (See Skin tear decision algorithm .)
What is the highest risk for skin tears?
Besides those at extremes of age, populations at the highest risk for skin tears include the critically or chronically ill. These patients have a higher risk for developing secondary wound infections. 1,3,4. Patients suffering from skin tears complain of pain and decreased quality of life.
What is skin tear risk assessment?
Skin Tear Risk Assessment Pathway, recommended to determine those at risk and in need of a risk reduction program. This pathway should be used when a patient is admitted to a healthcare setting and whenever the patient's health status changes. This pathway is a useful tool not only for determining those at risk, but also for allocating resources. (See Skin tear risk assessment pathway .)
Why does skin stretch?
The skin's elasticity and tensile strength decrease and skin becomes more easily stretched because of a decrease in elastin fibers. 14,15,47–49
What is skin tear?
Skin tears are among the most common forms of injury due to a wide variety of causes , and often occur in elderly people and premature newborns.
How to get rid of a tear on the skin?
Avoid using a towel or cloth to wash the area, as this can irritate the skin tear further. Your hand and running water should work just fine.
What is the best gauze for a tear in the skin?
Petroleum jelly gauze (or petrol atum gauze) is a good option for skin tears as it will protect the wound and keep it moist so it can heal. Petroleum jelly gauze comes in strips. Use scissors to cut the gauze to fit the area. Then, apply the gauze over the skin tear, leaving a 1 in (2.5 cm) around the skin tear.
How to get a skin tear out of a swollen ear?
Tuck the skin flap over the skin tear, if possible. If the skin flap is still attached to the skin tear, use a damp cotton swab or your clean finger to gently ease it back into place. You can also use tweezers or a gloved finger to do this. Putting the flap back in place will help the skin tear to heal properly.
How to heal a diaper tear?
If you’re caring for a baby with a skin tear in their diaper area, avoid using wipes until the wound heals. Clean the area with a gentle soap and water or saline rinse instead. Then, apply a gentle cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide diaper rash cream, to protect the wound before you put the diaper back on. [26]#N#X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
How to close a skin tear?
Ask the doctor about sealing an open tear with medical glue. If the skin tear causes an open wound, you may need to see a doctor. The doctor can then use medical glue to close the skin tear. This will help the skin tear to heal and prevent the tear from becoming infected.
How long does it take for a skin tear to dry?
Allow the skin tear to air dry. This may take 10 to 20 minutes. You can also use a soft towel to pat the area dry, being careful not to rub or scrub the area. If you decide to pat the area dry, avoid using tissue, a cotton ball, or any other material that could leave fragments behind in the wound.
Introduction
Skin Tear Classification
- The Payne-Martin classification system was developed in the early 1990s as a way of grading skin tears.1 As a result of some issues with this classification system, the Skin Tear Audit Research Classification System, or STAR, was developed in 2007.2Both systems were later replaced by the ISTAP classification system, and this system remains the recommendation for use to classify s…
Prevention
- ISTAP advises that patients in populations typically at risk for skin tears should receive a comprehensive risk assessment. According to ISTAP, “A comprehensive risk assessment should include assessment of the individual’s general health (chronic/critical disease, polypharmacy, and cognitive, sensory, visual, auditory, and nutritional status), mobility (history of falls, impaired mo…
Treatment
- First and foremost, control any active bleeding. Cleanse with normal saline or a gentle wound cleanser according to your facility protocol. If the skin flapis viable, it can sometimes be realigned to cover all or part of the wound bed. The flap and/or wound then can be covered with a nonadherent dressing. If the flap is not viable, it will need to be carefully removed according to f…
Conclusion
- Skin tears are preventable, acute wounds. Because skin tears often occur in the geriatric population, it is essential to implement a comprehensive assessment and subsequent prevention measures. Those in the geriatric population often struggle with various comorbidities and extrinsic risk factors that can complicate treatment and lead to wound chronicity. Regardless, a …
Skin Tear Categories
Risk Factors
- Skin tears become more common with age. That's because the blood vessels in your skin start to feed less moisture and nutrients to the skin tissue as the years go by.1 Though skin tears can happen to anyone of any age, some people are more at risk than others. They include:2 1. Elderly people, particularly those who are frail and need help moving a...
How to Treat A Skin Tear
- There are three main goals of treatment: to prevent infection, protect the surrounding skin and tissues, and keep the area moist to support healing. If the skin flap is still attached (categories 1 and 2), you want to try and preserve it. The skin flap should be placed as close to its original position as possible without it stretching too much. Before you begin, wash your hands well wit…
Dressings
- Several types of dressings work well for skin tears. These include film dressings such as Tegadermand petroleum jelly gauze. If you have delicate skin or have had skin tears in the past, it might be a good idea to have one of these available just in case. Film dressings are see-through, which allows you to watch for healing and infection without taking it off. This is very helpful wit…
Prevention
- There are several steps you can take to try and prevent skin tears. Ask your doctor for specific advice. These strategies may help:
Summary
- Skin tears happen when skin fully or partly rips away from the body. They are more likely to happen to people with dry, thin, and weak skin. This includes infants, though skin tears are most common in elderly people, as the skin gets more delicate with age. You can prevent skin tears by wearing long sleeves, staying hydrated, and taking steps to avoid falls. If your skin does tear, yo…
A Word from Verywell
- Skin tears can be very painful and some take more time to heal than others. The best way to protect against skin tears is to prevent them. If you know you are at risk, create a safer environment where you will be less likely to fall or bump into things. Take steps to strengthen and protect your skin as well. If an accident happens, try not to panic. With proper wound care, most …
Etiology
- The common causes of skin tears are shear, friction, or blunt trauma. Skin tears can occur on any part of the body, but are particularly common in populations with fragile skin, such as the elderly, chronic or critically ill, neonates and pediatrics.
Risk Factors
- Dry, fragile skin
- History of previous skin tears
- Medications that affect the thickness of the skin (e.g. steroids, immune-suppressives, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants)
- Impaired mobility or vision
Complications
- Left untreated, skin tears can lead to complications such as pain, delayed wound healing, localized infection, cellulitis or generalized sepsis.
Treatments & Interventions For Skin Tears
- The following precautions can help minimize the risk of developing skin tears in at-risk patients and to minimize complications in patients already exhibiting symptoms: 1. Create a safe environment for the individual that will minimize the potential of bumping or knocking into furniture. 2. When possible, pad and protect the extremities. 3. Maintain skin integrity through a …
References
- LeBlanc K, Baranoski S. International Skin Tear Advisory Panel: A tool kit to aid in the prevention, assessment and treatment of skin tears using a simplified classification system. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2013;26(10): 459-478. LeBlanc K, Baranoski S. Skin Tears: State of the Science: Consensus Statements for the Prevention, Prediction, Assessment, and Treatment of S…