Skin Tears in Older People

Skin tears are a common occurrence in older people, though many are unfamiliar with them until late in life. These painful wounds are more likely to occur with age as the skin experiences age-related changes. Numerous factors including declining dermal thickness and loss of elasticity contribute to their development. Risk increases in patients who need assistance with activities of daily living or who need help transferring from bed or chair. Polypharmacy is a risk factor. Prevention is the best approach, but once skin tears develop, treatment needs to be tailored to the tear's grade.