Wound Management

5 Tips for Effective Skin Tear Treatment and Prevention

As we age, our skin can become less elastic, dry, and thin. Over time, the skin loses its moisture and weakens, leading to increased risks of tears. 

Weakened or damaged skin can rip very easily.

Skin Tear Categories

In order to truly assess a skin tear, the affected skin must be properly documented. There are three major skin tear categories, further divided into several subcategories. The difference between them lies in the degree of damage caused to the skin flap. In layman's terms, it depends on whether the skin flap is fully attached to the body. 

Effective management and skin tear treatment depend on their categories:

Category 1 Skin Tear

When the skin flap can align with all the edges to close, a category one skin tear can heal if the flap is repositioned and the wound is wrapped with a light dressing. 

• Category 1a skin tear- the skin flap is healthy and appears pink. 
• Category 1b skin tear - the skin flap is infected and appears pale, blue, or purple.

Category 2 Skin Tear

When the skin flap is damaged and won't close properly, the skin tear cannot heal since the flap does not cover the wound bed. 

• Category 2a skin tear - the skin flap is pink. 
• Category 2b skin tear - the skin flap is pale or blue.

Category 3 Skin Tear

Category 3 skin tear is where the skin flap is removed entirely and will take a long time to heal. The chances of a skin tear healing reduces drastically when the skin flap is missing. If the skin is torn, the treatment focuses on keeping the wound site clean and safe from infections and preventing further damage.

Who is most prone to skin tears?

With age, the skin loses its elasticity and suppleness, making it dry and prone to lacerations The blood vessels in the skin stop providing adequate moisture and nutrients to the skin tissue. 

Though everybody is at risk of enduring skin tears, there are those who are more at risk than others:

• Older Adults
• People with limited mobility and weakened limbs are at higher risk of falling and getting injured.
• Children
• People with a history of skin infections and lacerations.
• People with dementia or at risk of self-harm.
• People with diabetic dry skin.
• Post-menopausal women.

Skin tear treatment aims to prevent infection, protect the surrounding skin, and keep the area moist for quicker and adequate healing.

If the skin flap is still attached to the wound edges, the treatment focuses on preserving it. The skin flap must be positioned close to the original position without stretching it too much.

Treating Skin Tear

1. To begin, wash your hands well and put on gloves.
2. If possible, apply pressure and elevate the injured body part. Use an alginate dressing to stop the wound from bleeding.
3. To cleanse the wound bed, rinse the skin tear with a saline solution or tap water.
4. Debride the wound bed if need be.
5. Allow the skin tear to air dry. Avoid rubbing it.
6. If a skin flap is there, gently lay it close to its original position without stretching it.
7. Cover the skin tear with an appropriate wound dressing.

Some skin tears are more complicated than others and require medical attention. Most skin tears heal within four weeks, although healing time largely depends on the type of skin tear and the patient's overall health. In some cases, they do not heal and keep re-tearing; these are known as chronic skin tears.

Untreated skin tears can lead to skin infections. In severe cases, the condition can lead to cellulitis and sepsis and be life-threatening. Subsequently, poorly dressed skin tears may hinder healing and cause retearing. 

5 Tips for Effective Skin Tear Treatment

1. Cleansing the Skin Tear

To cleanse and debride the tear site, use an antiseptic wound cleanser such as Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser that guards the damaged skin against infections. The active ingredients of the wound cleanser include chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), which has been clinically proven to kill germs on contact. It binds to the skin and continues to kill microorganisms even after washing.

2. Type of Dressings for Skin Tears

Various dressings work fine for skin tears, such as Tegaderm film dressings and gauze. Patients with delicate skin must have these handy. 

• Film dressings - Because these dressings are see-through, they allow you to monitor the healing progress and check for infection without removing them. One such effective film dressing is 3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing, designed to protect wounds and maintain a moist healing environment. 3M Tegaderm Dressing is a primary or secondary dressing for acute or chronic injuries. The picture-frame view makes the application accurate and easy. 

To remove a film dressing, pull it off in the direction of the skin flap. Pulling it in the reverse direction can retear the skin.

• Gauze dressings – these are non-adhesive to help prevent the chances of retearing. Use a petroleum gauze dressing such as Covidien Xeroform Occlusive Petrolatum Gauze Dressing, which contains 3% bismuth tribromophenate in a petrolatum blend, for bacterial protection. It is made to shield lightly effusive wounds and keeps odor at bay. The nonadherent Xeroform Petrolatum Dressing prevents trauma when removing the dressing and does not stick to the wound. It keeps the wound wet and sterile to promote rapid healing.

3. Keep The Skin Moist

Hydrate the skin to prevent further damage. Use a good quality moisturizing lotion or cream at least twice a day. Refrain from using soaps that wick away moisture from your skin. If a specific skin area is hypersensitive, cover it with barrier cream or wrap it with a bandage.

• Moisture Cream - Phytoplex Z Guard Paste protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin, skin tears, minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. The Remedy Phytoplex Z-Guard also treats and prevents diaper rash.
• Barrier Cream - Calmoseptine Cream is an effective moisture barrier cream that relieves itching and skin irritations. Calmoseptine ointment helps heal damaged skin by offering ample nourishment and keeping harmful toxins away.

4. Avoid Adhesives

People with chronic wounds, such as diabetic venous ulcers, dermatitis, etc., should avoid using adhesive bandages or medical tape unless necessary. Sticky bandages can cause fragile skin to tear.

5. Ensure Proper Nutrition

Dry skin is often caused due to dehydration and malnourishment. Make sure your diet contains adequate nutrients such as vitamin B and C that help in keeping the skin supple and strong, and promote tissue growth. Increase your intake of foods that support collagen production in the body. 

Skin tears are very painful and can take a very long time to heal. The best way to prevent skin tears is to ensure that you are in a safe environment where you are less likely to trip or bump into things and endure cuts or scrapes. However, seek appropriate medical attention for proper wound care if an accident happens.

HPFY has been catering to its global clientele since 2002 with quality medical supplies and health products, including wound care products and fall prevention aids. Place your order today and keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.  

 

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