Comprehensive recommendations for the prevention of skin tears in the elderly have been published. Most are common-sense recommendations, such as eliminating trip hazards and removing dressings gently, and some, such as wearing protective socks and moisturising, are supported by compelling evidence.

What causes elderly skin tears?

A skin tear usually occurs in the elderly or those with fragile skin, as a result of a bumping into something, dressing changes with inappropriate dressings, or vigorous washing and drying of the skin.

How can the care worker prevent skin tears in elderly clients?

When possible, apply moisturiser to their skin. Having the elderly person wear long sleeves, long pants or knee-high socks can also protect the skin as exposure increases the chance of tears – however, we careful of doing that during the hot weather as it can be uncomfortable for them.

How do I stop my skin from tearing?

A few measures to prevent skin tears include: moisturizing dry skin twice daily; no rubbing of skin — pat dry instead; and averting the use of taping directly to skin — use paper tape if necessary at all. Also, you should use pad protectors over bedrails, wheelchair arms and leg supports.

How do you treat skin tears in the elderly?

Treatment

1. Wash your hands.
2. Control the bleeding.
3. Gently clean the wound with warm clean water.
4. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.
5. If a skin flap is still attached, try to replace it by gently rolling the skin back over the wound.
6. Cover the wound with a clean, non-stick pad.

Is Vaseline good for skin tears?

Cuts and grazes The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for keeping a wound moist and to help prevent it from drying out and forming a scab, because they take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.

How can nurses prevent skin tears?

Preventing skin tears

1. Assess for risk on admission to healthcare services and whenever the patient’s condition changes;
2. Implement a systematic prevention protocol;
3. Ensure those at risk wear long sleeves, long trousers or knee-high socks;

How do you prevent skin tears when transferring a patient?

Prevention of Skin Tears

1. assessment of the skin on admission and routinely throughout the patient’s stay.
2. optimization of nutrition status (which may require dietary/nutrition support)
3. increasing moisture content of the skin with regular use of emollients/moisturizers.

What factors contribute to skin tears?

The most prevalent risk factor for skin tears was old age, followed by impaired mobility, falls and accidental injuries, previous skin tears, cognitive deficit/dementia, dependence in transfers, and upper limbs.

What is the best lotion for elderly skin?

The Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
• Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
• SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter.
• OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free.
• Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream.

What is the best dressing to put on a skin tear?

Several types of dressings work well for skin tears. These include film dressings such as Tegaderm and petroleum jelly gauze.

What vitamins can I take for thin skin?

The following nutritional supplements have been suggested to produce antiaging effects on the skin:

• vitamin C, both oral and topical.
• gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), like evening primrose oil.
• collagen peptides.
• omega-3 fatty acids.

Should you put Neosporin on a skin tear?

If the skin flap is torn off, you may use Bacitracin or Aquaphor and a non-stick dressing. There are frequent allergies to Neosporin so I do not advocate its use. If the skin tear is large and there is a flap, your healthcare provider can sometimes maneuver the flap back into place, at least partially.

How long does it take for skin tear to heal?

An uncomplicated skin tear is an acute wound that will go on to heal within approximately 4 weeks.