References

Best practice recommendations for the prevention and management of skin tears in aged skin: an overview. 2018. https://www.woundsinternational.com/uploads/resources/5cd2a0928a6a935aef5389ce961fce44.pdf (accessed 14 September 2021)

Carville K, Leslie G, Osseiran-Moisson R, Newall N, Lewin G. The effectiveness of a twice-daily skin-moisturising regimen for reducing the incidence of skin tears. Int Wound J. 2014; 11:(4)446-453 https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12326

Farage MA, Miller KW, Elsner P, Maibach HI. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2008; 30:(2)87-95 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00415.x

Gerstein AD, Phillips TJ, Rogers GS, Gilchrest BA. Wound healing and aging. Dermatol Clin. 1993; 11:(4)749-757

LeBlanc K, Baranoski S, Christensen D International Skin Tear Advisory Panel: a tool kit to aid in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of skin tears using a Simplified Classification System. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2013; 26:(10)459-478 https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASW.0000434056.04071.68

LeBlanc K, Baranoski S Skin tears: state of the science: consensus statements for the prevention, prediction, assessment, and treatment of skin tears. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2011; 24:2-15 https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASW.0000405316.99011.95

ISTAP best practice recommendations. Best practice recommendations for the prevention and management of skin tears in aged skin. 2018. https://www.woundsinternational.com/resources/details/istap-best-practice-recommendations-prevention-and-management-skin-tears-aged-skin (accessed 14 September 2021)

The role of emollients in maintaining skin integrity. 2015. https://www.wounds-uk.com/journals/issue/41/article-details/the-role-of-emollients-in-maintaining-skin-integrity (accessed 14 September 2021)

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Dermatology
Wound care

Preventing skin tears among older adults in general practice

02 October 2021
Clinical
02 October 2021
Volume 32 · Issue 10

Abstract

In this article, Sarah Jane Palmer discusses the importance of the prevention of skin tears and the role practice nurses can play

Skin tears can present a complex and chronic problem for an older patient with fragile skin, and can be very disabling, reducing quality of life dramatically in some cases. The right care is essential from all members of the wider team caring for older patients, in order to identify risk factors for skin tears, as well as formulating a care plan of prevention that relates to these risk factors. Good skin care is essential, as well as patient education, and identifying ongoing issues with the patient's health that present a factor to consider when caring for them, such as mobility issues. Self-care should be encouraged where possible, and the correct use and choice of emollients that are pH balanced is crucial. By preventing skin tears we not only give the patient a far better quality of life, but we also reduce the need for very limited NHS resources.

Skin tears are a big issue in the elderly population, whether in hospital or in the community, although epidemiological studies on skin tears are limited and the actual prevalence of skin tears is not truly understood. Older adults are more vulnerable to becoming not only exposed to the risk of developing skin tears but also in having a slow healing time (Gerstein et al, 1993) and complex problems following the incidence of the skin tear, that can lead to chronic, disabling or life-threatening consequences. As health professionals in general practice, we have a duty to recognise risk and take action to prevent skin tears from occurring in the first place. We can use our knowledge to take action, and this can be life changing for the patient in our care. This article will focus on the most recent guidance from 2018 from Wounds UK and Wounds International (LeBlanc et al, 2018).

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Aging
Skin care
Risk factors
Skin tears