Prevention and Management of Skin Tears in Aged Skin
Summary: A Wounds International “Made Easy” article authored by Karen Ousey, Corey Heerschap, Debra Thayer, and Emmy Nokaneng outlines updated ISTAP best practice guidelines for preventing and managing skin tears. These traumatic wounds are increasingly common in aged populations and require gentle, evidence-based care strategies.
Key Highlights:
- Risk assessment: Updated ISTAP tools help identify patients at high risk, particularly older adults with fragile skin and comorbidities.
- Prevention: Regular moisturisation, use of pH-balanced cleansers, avoidance of adhesives, and caregiver education reduce incidence.
- Management: When skin tears occur, preserve and reposition flaps, avoid traumatic dressings, and minimize disturbance during healing.
- Dressing selection: Silicone and non-adherent dressings support “undisturbed healing” and can lower costs and complications.
Read the full article on Wounds International
Keywords:
skin tears,
aged skin,
ISTAP,
Karen Ousey,
wound prevention