Assessing and managing skin tears in older people

The skin is the largest and most visible organ in the body, comprising of two principal layers, the dermis and epidermis (Timmons, 2006). Skin tears are acute, traumatic injuries, presenting predominantly in the extremities of the elderly, as a result of friction and shearing forces which separate the principal layers of the skin (Baranoski, 2005). Skin tears cause significant pain and adversely affect quality of life. It is essential that health professionals ensure they are confident and competent in the management of skin tears. This article discusses how to assess and manage skin tears in older people and provides an overview of factors to consider when choosing an appropriate dressing.