Skin tears can be a terrible thing. Usually we don't realize how much elasticity the skin loses as we age until we tear the skin. The smallest blow will cause our skin to rupture and bleed a lot, not only that-it will become harder to heal.
If you are experiencing this condition, then you are certainly not alone, and there are ways to prevent skin tears and treat them quickly. Here are some common questions about skin tears:
To know why our skin tears as we age, we first need to understand the basic structure of the skin. The skin is divided into three layers:
1. Epidermis-the layer we can see and feel 2. Derma-the thicker second layer under the epidermis, containing hair follicles, sweat glands and nerves 3. Subcutaneous tissue-the fat layer that provides cushioning and protection
There is a membrane between the epidermis and the dermis, which separates and connects the epidermis and the dermis to provide structural support and allow fluid and cell exchange between the skin layers.
The epidermis and the dermis fit together like a puzzle to prevent the dermis from sliding back and forth, but when we enter our 60s, these fragments flatten and can slide more easily, causing the epidermis to separate from the dermis, leading to tearing of the skin.
Sometimes, even if you take precautions, you cannot avoid cuts or scrapes. The best thing you can do is try to understand yourself and your surroundings, and wear long sleeves and long pants as much as possible.
Sometimes no matter what you do, your skin will still tear. So next time you or your friend/partner hurts yourself, follow these three steps:
There are many products that can help relieve the discomfort of skin tears while protecting the area to promote healing. It is also important to review your dressing choices and choose products that avoid the use of adhesives, reduce dressing changes, and maintain an optimally moist wound healing environment.
According to NursingTimes, the STAR system used to evaluate tears:
The edges can be realigned to the normal anatomical position (without overstretching) and the skin or flaps are not pale, dull, or blackened.
The edges can be realigned to the normal anatomical position (without overstretching) and the skin or flaps are torn in pale, dull or darkened skin.
Torn skin where the edges cannot be realigned with the normal anatomical position and the skin or flap is not pale, dull, or darkened.
Torn skin where the edges cannot be realigned with the normal anatomical position and the skin or flap is pale, dull, or darkened.
Hydrogel tablets-these are transparent or translucent water or glycerin-based products that can be used to maintain a moist wound environment. They look like a piece of viscous gelatin and can treat the initial fluid from the wound within the first 24-48 hours. They vary in thickness and do not adhere to the wound substrate. The hydrogel sheet can be fixed in place with an elastic mesh dressing or a tubular dressing.
Protective sleeve-Using a protective sleeve or elastic tubular bandage rolled into a roll is a good way to hold the dressing in place without irritating sensitive skin with tape.
Be careful when using adhesive seals-adhesive seals are usually used to keep the skin from tearing while the wound is healing, but be careful. We all know what it feels like to remove the bandage, so if you use an adhesive bandage, it may cause further damage.
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