Skin Tear Assessment and Management in Geriatric Care
Summary
Skin tears are acute wounds characterised by a separation of the skin layers, frequently encountered in older adults due to age-related changes such as dermal thinning, reduced elasticity and compromised microvascular perfusion. In geriatric care settings, these injuries arise from minimal trauma—friction, shearing or blunt force—and may progress rapidly to more severe wounds if not promptly identified and managed. Effective assessment hinges on standardised classification systems that grade tears by depth and tissue loss, informing tailored interventions. Prevention strategies emphasise risk identification, implementation of protective measures (for example, protective clothing or barrier dressings) and routine skin care protocols to maintain hydration and integrity. Management integrates bleeding control, gentle cleansing, edge approximation and appropriate dressing selection to support re-epithelialisation while minimising pain and infection risk. Interdisciplinary collaboration—nursing, dermatology and nutrition—reinforces comprehensive care plans, while education and protocols ensure consistency. Recent advances explore predictive models, novel protective materials and bundle approaches that combine moisturisers, barrier creams and training programmes. Globally, systematic approaches to skin tear prevention and management can reduce complications, improve patient comfort and lower healthcare costs in long-term and acute geriatric settings.
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Skin Tear Assessment and Management in Geriatric Care publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in skin tear assessment and management in geriatric care across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Skin tear: A traumatic wound caused by shear, friction or blunt force that results in separation of the skin layers.
Frail skin: Age-related changes in skin structure and function, leading to increased vulnerability to injury.
STAR Skin Tear Classification System: A grading tool categorising skin tears by depth and tissue loss to guide clinical management.
Skincare bundle: A coordinated set of skin care interventions—moisturisers, barrier products and staff training—designed to prevent skin injuries.
References
- Cultural adaptation, content validity and inter-rater reliability of the "STAR Skin Tear Classification System"1. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem (2015).
- The skin tears knowledge among geriatric ward nurses and associated factors: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Tissue Viability (2024).
- What is the impact of skincare bundles on the development of skin tears in older adults? A systematic review. International Journal of Older People Nursing (2022).
- Knowledge status of skin tear prevention and its demographic and occupational influencing factors: A National cross‐sectional survey among nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing (2024).
- Development of a multivariable prognostic prediction model for skin tears in older nursing home residents. Scientific Reports (2025).
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