Skin tears are a largely preventable common injury, particularly in the elderly. However, if not managed appropriately, they have the potential to develop into problematic wounds. This article discusses their classification, why they are common in ageing skin, gives advice on correct wound management strategies and how assessing the patient and their environment and simple strategies can be employed to prevent their reoccurrence.
In the current economic climate it is important that clinical quality and cost-effectiveness is maintained and community nurses must be confident that they are selecting dressings which provide multiple treatment outcomes. This can include exudate management, reducing trauma and pain at dressing change, extended wear time, and protection of the periwound area. Similarly, there has been a recent rise in the incidence of skin tears, particularly within care homes and in the elderly population, and this requires a dressing that can both protect vulnerable skin and prevent the entry of contaminants and bacteria into the wound bed. Community nurses need a dressing that can perform all of these roles and this article examines Advazorb® Border (Advancis Medical), a dressing specifically designed to manage exudate, prevent pain, trauma and skin stripping on removal, and protect the periwound skin. Crucially, in clinical practice Advazorb Border has been shown to manage skin tears appropriately while staying in place longer and the author discusses clinical evidence that shows how the dressing provides cost-effective wound management and long-term savings within clinical practice.
Maureen Benbow explores the implications of ageing on skin and the impact on the development of skin tears, prevention and treatment strategies
Maureen Benbow BSc BA RGN HERC is a Senior Lecturer, University of Chester
Article accepted for publication: October 2008
Dr Karen Ousey discusses the aetiology and classification of skin tears
Dr Karen Ousey, RGN, PhD is a Principal Lecturer, Department of Nursing and Health Studies, Centre for Health & Social Care Research, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK
Article accepted for publication: July 2009
