Skin Tears
More information coming soon.
What is a skin tear?
A skin tear is a wound that can be caused by friction or trauma that is often slow to heal because of pre-existing conditions. Some skin tears are unavoidable but many are considered preventable.
Who is at risk?
● Newborns and the elderly
● Critically ill people
● People with nerve damage
● Those that require assistance with personal care
● Those that take medications that make the skin thin - like steroids
● Critically ill people
● People with nerve damage
● Those that require assistance with personal care
● Those that take medications that make the skin thin - like steroids
What are the main of causes of skin tears?
● Assistive equipment like wheelchairs or bed rails
● Bumping your skin on an object
● Falls
● Dressing/tape removal
● Moving a person from one location to another
● Bumping your skin on an object
● Falls
● Dressing/tape removal
● Moving a person from one location to another
What can you do?
Skin should be monitored and cared for on a daily basis. Some things to consider:
● Create a safe environment - consider lighting, sharp edges and unnecessary furniture.
● Check your skin and be aware of any scratches or dry skin.
● Keep your skin healthy by avoiding soap, use a pH balanced cleanser and moisturise twice a day.
● Keep skin clean - control moisture from incontinence and other sources.
● Make sure you are eating well and drinking enough fluids. If you are unsure ask your health care provider for advice.
● If you are at risk protect your skin - wear long sleeves, long pants, high knee socks or bandages.
● Use shin guards if you experience repeat skin tears to shins.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a health care professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
● Create a safe environment - consider lighting, sharp edges and unnecessary furniture.
● Check your skin and be aware of any scratches or dry skin.
● Keep your skin healthy by avoiding soap, use a pH balanced cleanser and moisturise twice a day.
● Keep skin clean - control moisture from incontinence and other sources.
● Make sure you are eating well and drinking enough fluids. If you are unsure ask your health care provider for advice.
● If you are at risk protect your skin - wear long sleeves, long pants, high knee socks or bandages.
● Use shin guards if you experience repeat skin tears to shins.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a health care professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.