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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Various dressings work fine for skin tears, such as Tegaderm film dressings and gauze. Patients with delicate skin must have these handy.
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.
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.
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.
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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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...
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