First, gently clean the skin tear with a sterile water or isotonic saline solution. If it’s a smaller and more superficial tear, a gentle soap and water may be used. Then fully cover the tear, but don’t use an adhesive bandage directly on the wound.

Here are some ways to impede infection in an elderly loved one with an open wound:

1. Thoroughly clean wound as soon as possible with soap and water.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment (if readily available)
3. Cover open wounds with a bandage or gauze dressing.
4. Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours.

In granulated wounds with a mild to moderate exudate, a hydrocolloid dressing is a good choice as it maintains the granulation tissue and aids in epithelialization (Fig. 3B). In the presence of wound exudate, the hydrocolloid dressing absorbs liquid, forms a soft gel, and deters leakage.

Try to avoid using adhesive bandages or medical tape unless absolutely necessary, as these can cause delicate skin to tear. If you must dress a skin tear, consider wrapping the wound in a petroleum-based gauze wrap that is non-adhesive, then securing the wrap with medical tape.

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

Protecting the skin by wearing long sleeves, and long skirts or trousers can help. Using creams that contain vitamin A, also known as retinol or retinoids, may help to prevent skin from thinning further. Retinol creams are available in drugstores or online as cosmetic products.

“The body’s capacity to repair the skin diminishes as we get older. There aren’t as many growth factors and stem cells in the skin. Chronic disease, especially blood vessel disease, and malnutrition can also slow the healing process,” says Dr.

Once an older person’s skin is injured, the skin has a harder time healing properly as well. Aging and senescent immune cells cannot defend against bacteria, and the risk of serious skin infection rises. Then in the regenerative stage, slow rates of cell division translate into slow skin regrowth.

Foam dressings are nonlinting and absorbent. They vary in thickness and have a nonadherent layer, allowing nontraumatic removal. Some have an adhesive border and may have a film coating as an additional bacteria barrier. Foam dressings provide a moist environment and thermal insulation.

Care must be taken, however, in patients with arterial insufficiency. The secondary dressing is changed daily until day three or four (when exudate decreases), after which it can remain in place until day six or seven. A protective dressing is then used for four or five days to protect the newly healed wound.

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.

The standard protocol in this clinic for treating skin tears includes the use of 3M™Tegaderm™+Pad Transparent Dressing with Absorbent Pad. Results of this treatment for a skin tear she received when she walked into the corner of her oven door are noted in Figures 1a–h.

Provides waterproof wound coverage and reduces the risk of infection from airborne bacteria, urine and feces. OPSITE* Transparent Adhesive Film Dressing is indicated for use on superficial wounds such as superficial pressure ulcers, minor burns, cuts and abrasions.

Tegaderm™ Absorbent Clear Acrylic Dressing was effective in meeting the goals for the treatment of skin tears, including decreased frequency of dressing changes, protection of fragile periwound skin surrounding the skin tear, wound visualization, and moist wound healing.

As is common with all adhesive products, some cases of irritation and/or maceration of the skin surrounding the wound have been reported. It should be noted that inappropriate use or too frequent dressing changes, particularly in patients with fragile skin, can result in skin stripping.