Have you noticed how our skin changes as we age? It gets thinner, more fragile, and doesn’t bounce back like it used to. For older adults, a simple scrape or bump can lead to serious skin tears that are not only painful but can take ages to heal. And if you’re dealing with additional health concerns like diabetes or reduced mobility, the risk of complications skyrockets. It’s a real concern, right?
At Vital Home Health Services, we understand the unique challenges that come with caring for aging skin. Our team is trained to manage and prevent these issues with a holistic approach. We assess skin integrity regularly, treat injuries promptly with the most appropriate methods, and take proactive steps to shield the skin from further harm.
By the end of our guide, you’ll know exactly how to spot a skin tear, the best way to treat it, and crucially, how to prevent future injuries. We’ll arm you with the knowledge and techniques for wound care in elderly skin to keep it as healthy and resilient as possible. And remember, we’re here to help at every step. Ready to learn how to care for wounds for elderly skin?
What are Skin Tears?
A skin tear is a break in the outer layers of the skin and can result in the “peeling back” of the skin layer, or a partial or total loss of the skin. They can occur because of a fall, accidents, bumping into furniture or other objects and even from the removal of tapes and adhesives.
Risk Factors
You are more at risk of a skin tear occuring if you have:
- Dry, fragile skin
- Memory or sensory impairment
- Decreased mobility
- Poor nutrition and hydration
- Visual impairment
- Taking multiple medications
Understanding Skin Tear Types
Skin tears, while common, can lead to significant discomfort and potential complications if not properly managed. They are categorised into three main types, each with distinct characteristics. Your GP or nurse may describe the skin tear as either a Type One, Type Two or Type Three Skin Tear:
| Type 1 Skin Tear | Type 2 Skin Tear | Type 3 Skin Tear |
| A skin tear where the skin flap can be repositioned back into its original place with no actual loss of skin. | A skin tear where there is partial loss of the skin flap which means it can’t be fully repositioned back into place to cover the wound. | A skin tear is where there is a total loss of the skin flap leaving the entire wound bed exposed. |
If you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) you may find it takes longer for any bleeding to stop, or that bruising occurs as well. If the skin tear is large, or you are unable to stop any bleeding, it is important that you seek medical assistance.
Initial Treatment: What to do for a skin tear?
- Wash your hands. Gently clean the wound with warm, clean water
- If the skin flap has remained attached, attempt to replace it by gently rolling the skin back over the wound. You may be able to do this with a cotton tip applicator or forceps.
- Do not cut off the skin flap.
- Cover the skin tear with a clean, non-stick dressing.
- Avoid using tapes and adhesives to secure any skin tear dressings.
- Contact your GP or Vital Home Health Service.
Choosing the Right Skin Tear Dressings
At Vital Home Health Services, our clinical nurses are well trained and experienced in treating skin tears and managing wounds and upon completion of these steps, get in touch with a doctor or community clinical nurse so that they can inspect the wound and ensure that the right steps have been taken to encourage healing.
In most instances, the skin tear should heal within 2 weeks, however, there are some instances where you may want to take your loved one or client to see a doctor, such as:
- If the wound is not healed within 2 weeks
- There is increased redness or swelling around the wound
- There is increased or new pain from the wound
- Excessive weeping from the wound
- The wound is producing a smell
- The person is feeling unwell or has a fever
- There is yellowing or blackening around the wound
If you are concerned in any way, do not hesitate to follow up with a doctor.
Implementing Skin Tear Treatment and Care
Preventing Skin Tears in Elderly
Prevention is a cornerstone of effective wound care in elderly. Strategies such as maintaining skin hydration, avoiding harsh soaps, and implementing protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of skin tears. Environmental assessments to remove hazards that may lead to falls or bumps can also prevent injuries. Education on the proper use of assistive devices and the importance of gentle handling during caregiving activities further supports prevention efforts. Here are some actionable tips on effective skin tear prevention:
Keeping skin moisturised
The good news is that, by moisturising the arms and legs of elderly people twice a day can protect more fragile areas of their skin and halve their chances of getting a skin tear. We recommend using fragrance-free and allergen-free moisturisers, as these products are suited to most skin types, including those with eczema. Using soap when showering or bathing can actually dry our skin out more, so try using a soap substitute, such as Sorbelene cleanser.
Maintaining a balanced diet
Much like many other health maintenance advice, a healthy, balanced diet can do wonders – and preventing skin tears in the elderly is no exception! Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in nutritional value can greatly help to keep skin healthy, although it is important not to make drastic changes to one’s diet without their doctor’s approval.
Ensuring a safe living space
Taking pre-emptive measures around the house to minimise the chance of a fall is key in preventing skin tears. Keeping the home clutter free, ensuring that there are no obstructions to cause tripping or bumping as well as keeping the indoors well-lit are all essential tips for maintaining safety. Wearing longer sleeved clothing and trousers can help add a layer of protection to the limbs for wound minimisation should any bump or fall occur.
Wound Care in Aged Care by Vital Home Health
Caring for wounds, particularly skin tears in seniors, requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By understanding the various skin tear types and implementing appropriate skin tear dressing and treatment strategies, caregivers can significantly improve healing outcomes. However, the essence of skin tear care and wound management in aged care lies in prevention and the holistic support of senior wellness.
For those seeking expert guidance and support in managing senior health and wound care, Vital Home Health Services offers a wealth of resources and services. Our commitment to providing high-quality care ensures that seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life, with dignity and comfort. If you have questions or concerns regarding proper wound care for seniors, you can ask us here.
References:
Libguides: Skin and wound care: Skin tears (2024) Skin Tears – Skin and Wound Care – LibGuides at Nova Scotia Health. Available at: https://library.nshealth.ca/WoundCare/SkinTears (Accessed: 26 April 2024).
Van Tiggelen, H. et al. (2019) ‘The prevalence and associated factors of skin tears in Belgian nursing homes: A cross-sectional observational study’, Journal of Tissue Viability, 28(2), pp. 100–106. doi:10.1016/j.jtv.2019.01.003.
