Skin tears are the most common issue of elderly patients. When we grow older, the skin gets dryer and more delicate. Unlike the skin of younger people, which stretches when stressed, the skin of older adults can come apart with just a little pressure.
Skin tears are wounds that appear when the skin gets too thin and delicate. Often, adhesive bandages can stick to the skin, thus causing skin tears.
Depending on whether or not the skin flap is viable, we can differentiate between three major categories of skin tears:
- The skin flap is complete, and all of its edges can close well enough. This category of skin tears heals quickly enough to replace the skin flap where it belongs wrap the wound with a light dressing.
- The following category of skin tears is more complicated. In this case, the skin flap is damaged and doesn’t reach the edges of the wounds.
- When the skin flap is completely gone, you deal with the skin tears of the third category. It takes the longest tie to heal.
To treat skin tears properly, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly and keep the wound free of infection. If the skin flap is still attached, try to preserve it close to the original position. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate it as much as possible. Never run the skin. Air dry or pat it carefully. If there is a flap of skin, gently lay it back in place without stretching or forcing it anyway.
If the skin tear is severe and requires a doctor’s attention, call Aurora Home Health to seek professional medical attention. We are always ready to help whatever happens.
