The tears usually affect thin, fragileskin.
Unlikesupple skinthat stretches to keep it from breaking, weak skin can rip easily.
This article covers what skin tears are and who is at risk for them.
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Category 1a means the skin flap is pink and healthy.
Category 2a means the flap is pink.
Category 2b means the flap is pale or blue.
Category 3
In a category 3 skin tear, the skin flap is completely gone.
This bang out of skin tear will take the longest to heal.
Aging
Skin tears become more common with age.
Thinner skin means you lack the cushion you had when you were younger.
Even a slight bump can tear the skin and make blood vessels break open and cause a bruise.
People with cognitive impairment or dementia may get agitated and accidentally injure themselves.
Should I Put Antibiotic Cream on a Skin Tear?
For mild tears that are not infected, an antibiotic is probably not needed.
The skin flap should be placed as close to its original position as possible without it stretching too much.
prior to beginning, wash your hands well with soap andput on glovesif you have them.
If your provider is not available, try anurgent careclinic or the ER.
Most skin tears can resolve within four weeks.
Chronic skin tears are those that do not heal within four weeks or that keep re-tearing.
If the dressing gets dirty, remove it, clean the skin tear, and dress the wound again.
If the skin tear shows anysigns of infection, contact your provider.
Removing Dressing From a Skin Tear
Be very careful when removing film dressing.
Pull it off in the same direction as the skin flap.
If you pull it in the reverse direction, you could re-pop launch the tear.
Complications
Skin tears should be treated as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Untreated skin tears can get infected.
In some cases, the infection can get worse and bacteria may infect the wound (cellulitis).
Skin tears that are infected and do not get treated could lead to a life-threatening condition (sepsis).
Improperly dressed skin tears may not heal.
If a skin tear healed poorly, it could easily re-tear or become chronic.
Preventing Skin Tears
There are several steps you might take to try and prevent skin tears.
Avoid soaps that make your skin dry.
At least twice per day, put on a quality moisturizer.
If a certain area of your skin is extra fragile, cover it with barrier films or creams.
it’s possible for you to also wrap the area in bandages.
Often, a single layer of your normal clothes is enough.
If you’re free to, choose long pants and sleeves and long socks.
Take care when changing your clothes.
Be mindful of zippers, buttons, and other things that can “grab” your skin.
Hydrate and Eat a Nutritious Diet
Dry skin has a higher risk of tearing.
If you are dehydrated, your skin will be, too.
ensure youre drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
It’s also important to eat a nutritious diet that has the nutrients your body needs for healthy skin.
These sticky bandages can cause fragile skin to tear.
Then, secure the wrap with medical tape.
Summary
Skin tears happen when the skin fully or partly rips away from the body.
They are more likely to happen to people with dry, thin, and weak skin.
Older adults, infants, and young children are prone to skin tears.
you might prevent skin tears by wearing long sleeves, staying hydrated, and taking steps to avoid falls.
If your skin tears, clean and dress it well to prevent infection.
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