Changes in the skin occur as a person ages, increasing skin vulnerability. Older skin is less able to regenerate and protect, increasing the risk of skin breakdown.

Skin damage has a number of causes, some relating to the individual person (as poor medical condition) and others relating to external factors (as poor care, lack of appropriate resources including equipment and staffing). Not all skin damage can be prevented and therefore the risk factors in each case should be reviewed on an individual basis.

Skin Tears – are superficial or traumatic wound, where skin rips.

The aims of this type of wounds are: cover to protect, promote atraumatic removal, avoid infection and promote healing.

What to do when you have skin tear:

• Wash your hands and wear protective gloves and apron
• Cleanse the skin tear with saline solution
• Apply pressure using clean gauze until bleeding stops
• Realign the skin to the normal anatomical position
• Measure and record the wound
• Perform wound assessment and take a photo of the wound
• Apply a non-adhesive dressing as Atrauman/ Adaptic Touch
• Apply a secondary dressing to cover as Biotain Sillicon/ Aquacel Foam/ Allevyn
• Date dressing and place an arrow on dressing to show direction for removal
• Change the dressing every 3-4 days
• Complete accident/ incident form
• Inform the patient’s family
• If wound deteriorate inform GP and/or TVN