​​Introduction

Skin tears are a painful but preventable problem for older patients.¹ When the dermis separates from the epidermis, a partial thickness wound occurs, often causing a flap above the exposed dermis.^1,2 This common problem has been reported to PA-PSRS 2,807 times—accounting for 2% of all reports from hospitals—during the first twelve months of mandatory reporting.

These skin traumas are not serious enough to extend the hospital stay but are painful, unsightly injuries for the patient. Skin tear dressing changes are time consuming and painful. If skin tear dressing changes are done poorly, the fragile wound bed may sustain further injury.

There is a “dearth of literature available to guide the clinician in the prevention and management of skin tears.”³ The literature predominantly focuses on the long-term care (LTC) experience with skin tears, and only a few published articles address skin tears in acute care settings.^4-7

Skin tears can be sizeable and, in some cases, require more than the selection of the correct dressing as the following cases indicate:

While transferring the patient from the bed to the chair with a total assist, the left leg was lifted and a 10 cm x 10 cm skin tear resulted. The physician ordered Vaseline gauze and a dressing. Further discussion with the attending resulted in suturing and stapling the area.

Patient was found on floor after staff member heard bed alarm and thud. Skin tear assessed and treated, requiring suturing to left forearm.

When the procedure was done the drapes were removed and an IV infiltrate was noted. The tape over the infiltrate was removed causing an 8 cm skin tear which required suturing.

Use of equipment, patient transfers or falls, treatments and procedures all place the patient at risk of incurring a skin tear, as these cases illustrate:

When taking off the EKG lead the skin ripped off the patient (8 cm x 3 cm).

When removed from the bedpan a 2 cm x 1 cm skin tear occurred. Wound was dressed with a dry sterile dressing and tape.

Escort was moving stretcher into the room when the patient’s hand fell and became caught between door jam and the stretcher resulting in a 9 cm x 9 cm skin tear. Pressure dressing applied. Doctor ordered wet to dry dressings.

This article presents the results of PA-PSRS staff analysis of reports submitted by Pennsylvania healthcare facilities. We also present information from the clinical literature on risk factors, preventative interventions, and evidence-based treatment protocols.

Statistical Review of Skin Tear Reports

Reports describing skin tears in the PA-PSRS database were reviewed for demographic information, location or department where the event occurred, event type, and other variables. The majority (62%) of reports involving skin tears were categorized as Skin Integrity events. However, nearly one-third (32%) were categorized as Fall events, in which the skin tear was a result of falling or actions taken to prevent a fall.

Age and Gender

Not surprisingly, PA-PSRS data demonstrates that the risk of skin tears increases with age, as shown in Figure 1.

Patients aged 65 and older account for 88.2% of all skin tear reports, though they account for only 31.2% of patient days. The largest proportion of skin tears (41.3%) were reported in the 75-84 age cohort, which only accounts for 18.1% of patient days.

Reports of skin tears were more commonly associated with male (51.7%) than female (48.3%) patients. This is contrary to the literature, which suggests that elderly woman are at greater risk.^2,8,9 There were averages of 31 skin tear reports per 100,000 hospital patient days, 38 per 100,000 male patient days, and 26 per 100,000 female patient days (patient day estimates based on data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council). In other words, while males accounted for 42.5% of patient days during this period, they accounted for 51.7% of skin tears reported to PA-PSRS.

Gender-specific differences have been reported in the literature. Decreased hormone levels in women  are implicated in skin changes predisposing to skin tears.⁹ The incidence of skin tears increases for females as they age, but this is not true for males, according to Malone.⁸ The PA-PSRS data found the opposite—that men were associated with more reports of skin tears than women—for all age groups but the 0-4 year cohort.

Reports by Department/Unit

Skin tears are most frequently reported from general Med/Surg units, which account for 33.2% of reported cases. This is consistent with the fact that Med/Surg units are responsible for the largest number of patient days in a facility and deliver care to a cross-section of patients for numerous conditions, especially those that require a protracted stay, as with the debilitated elderly patient (Figure 2).

Injured Body Part

The upper extremities were mentioned as the site of injury more frequently than other body parts, consistent with the literature. Reports involving skin tears do not always identify the location on the patient’s body, but among those that do, the forearm was mentioned most frequently (425) followed by arm (415) and hand (308). The lower extremity or leg was mentioned 215 times.

The seminal epidemiological study of nursing home residents done by Malone in 1991 found that skin tears occur on the upper extremity 80% of the time, most frequently on the forearm.⁸ Estimates from other studies of the proportion of skin tears occurring on the arm range from 68 to 74%.^3,10 The head, face, and neck were sometimes reported as sustaining injury, with the forehead more frequently mentioned than other locations on the head.

Equipment/Procedures Involved in Skin Tears

The hospital bed (792) is mentioned more than any other equipment or furnishing followed by chair (174) and wheelchair (144). Bedrails^1,3,9,12 and wheelchairs^1,3,8,12,13 are mentioned in the literature as contributing to skin tears. Inspection of surfaces with padding of bedrails and edges of equipment and furnishings is suggested as a precautionary measure to prevent skin tears.^9,13,14 Intravenous catheters (164) are mentioned with skin tears more than any other tube or drain. Radiographic procedures (107) are the most frequently mentioned procedure.

Transfers/Positioning and Dressings

Transfers (240) are frequently mentioned in reports involving skin tears. The literature mentions transfers and positioning as a time of high risk for the patient with fragile skin. Proper lifting, turning, positioning and transferring techniques are urged to prevent skin tears.^1,3,9,13-18 Dressing changes and procedures involving tape removal were also frequently cited. 

Identified Risks for Skin Tears

McGough published nine patient risk factors after a six-month study in a VA nursing home.³ Over 65% of the sample (154 skin tears) studied had six of the following risk factors: advanced age (76% over 70), sensory loss, compromised nutrition (68%), history of previous skin tear (80%), cognitive impairment (77%), and dependency (total 82%). Bruising and poor locomotion were identified in 50% of the sample, and in 40% both polypharmacy and use of an assistive device in combination were thought to have contributed to their injury. Decreased vision existed in 39% of patients, and two or more sensory deficits existed in 37% of the sample studied.³ The risk factors frequently mentioned in the literature are summarized in Table 1.

Preventative Measures

Guidelines available from the National Guideline Clearinghouse (www.guideline.gov) provide a framework for initiating preventive skin tear measures including: environmental modifications, staff education, adequate nutrition and hydration, protection from self injury and/or injury during routine care.⁹ The patient and family require education in avoiding friction and shearing activities⁹ and other precautionary methods to minimize or eliminate skin tears (see Table 2).

Caution is especially important when applying or removing tape from an at-risk patient for skin tears. The recurrent use and removal of adhesive tape and adhesive backed dressings in acute care sets the stage for skin injuries. One hundred seventy eight PA-PSRS reports mention tape or tape removal in relation to a skin tear. When a patient has thin, friable skin, the smallest amount of paper tape is preferred. A common misconception is that paper tape will not damage the skin, which has been proven otherwise by the reports in the database.

Patient allergic to adhesive tape so paper tape was used by anesthesia to secure ETT. The tape was removed and a 1” x 1/8” skin tear was noted on the patient’s left neck and cheek below the ear. Antibiotic ointment applied and covered with telfa.

Tape is widely used in the hospital. It is a rare patient that does not encounter an intervention involving tape. Multiple procedures predispose the patient with fragile skin to a skin tear, as the following cases indicate:

Skin tear on hip 17 x 2 x 0.1 from too much tape on dressing.

When removing tape from an intravenous site, a 4 cm by 1 cm skin tear resulted. Area cleansed and a sterile dressing applied. Skin tear on left antecubital area from removal of venipuncture tape on the patient’s arm. Wound care for skin tear required.

During dialysis treatment skin tear on the patient’s breastbone occurred, 3 cm x 2 cm with serous fluid. Wound cleansed with normal saline solution and Vaseline gauze and tape applied.

Surgical services uses tape routinely for dressings, tubes, and drapes. PA-PSRS has received many reports of skin tears occurring in the operating room.

Patient in the OR had tape removed from the endotracheal tube and a skin tear occurred to the left cheek, 2 cm x 2 cm area. Treated with bacitracin and a bandaid was applied.

Skin tear found when surgical drape was removed. Adhesive tore skin off.

Patient eyes taped shut in OR for protection. Tape was removed in OR. In PACU, staff noticed bilateral eyelids had superficial skin tears.

When tape use is unavoidable, as with securing an endotracheal tube or closing the patient’s eyes, consider foam tape which provides a gentle bond to the skin. Skin sealant (skin prep) and adhesive remover are not recommended to be used near eyes. To facilitate tape removal apply careful counter-pressure¹⁹ to the skin near the adhesive dressing as the tape is slowly rolled off.²⁰  

In the acute care setting, awareness of a patient’s risk for skin tears and implementing preventive measures involves:

• Choosing the right products for care
• Managing the environment defensively:
• Reducing friction and shearing
• Using a draw sheet
• Padding bed rails and equipment edges
• Using paper tape and skin prep ^4,14
• Removing tape with adhesive remover wipe¹² and gently rolling off tape ²⁰
• Educating ancillary staff, patients and families in measures to reduce skin tear risk.

Selection of a dressing that minimizes the necessity for dressing changes and use of skin sealants prior to applying tape can help to reduce epidermal trauma.²¹

Skin Tear Assessment

Skin tears vary in size, location, depth of injury and amount of tissue lost. A common, uniform language^4,9 describing and classifying skin tears is essential to deliver competent care, document the assessment and management⁴ and to be able to track¹ the wound changes.

The Payne-Martin^22,23 method is the accepted method of classifying skin tears (see Figure 3).^{1,3,9-12,15,24} This method has three levels of injury with increases according to the degree of skin flap or skin loss.^22,23

Skin Tear Treatments in the Literature

The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing guideline “Preventing Pressure Ulcers and Skin Tears” summarizes treatment recommendations as follows:

• “Gently clean the skin tear with normal saline.
• Let the area air dry or pat dry carefully.
• Approximate the skin tear flap.
• Apply petroleum-based ointment, steri-strips or a moist non-adherent wound dressing.
• Consider putting an arrow to indicate the direction of the skin tear on the dressing to prevent any further injury during dressing removal.
• Assess the size of the skin tear and consider a wound tracing.
• Document assessment and treatment findings.”⁹

Though there is limited research on skin tear treatment, two recent small studies are encouraging in innovative treatments that reduce both the pain associated with dressing changes and the healing time:

• Category I and II skin tears were treated using a soft silicone-coated net dressing (Mepitel). The dressing adheres to the flapped skin and surrounding tissue, approximating the edges. A secondary absorbent dressing is applied to manage exudate and is changed when necessary. By the eighth day, 83% (73/88) of the wounds had healed.¹⁰
• Category II and III skin tears were treated with formulated 2-octylcyanoacrylate topical bandage (2-OTB). The product’s clear film dries in approximately 15 to 30 seconds, requires no secondary dressing and allows for routine inspection. Reapplication is done as needed if oozing of exudate occurs. Ninety percent of wounds (18/20) healed in one week with reports of minimal pain.²⁴

These preliminary studies are encouraging in suggesting new, cost-effective, efficient treatments of painful, disfiguring skin tears.

Summary

Identification of risk factors, implementation of prevention strategies, and standardizing assessment and treatment can reduce the incidence of skin tears in the acute care setting. The persistent problem of skin tears, while not life-threatening, is an injury that is painful and disfiguring to the patient. Treatment of skin tears consumes both staff time and other limited resources. Establishing policies and procedures to address skin tears and providing staff education with ongoing in-services is a good place to start.

Notes

1. Baranoski S. Skin tears: Staying on guard against the enemy of frail skin. Nursing 2003. 33(10) Supplement: Travel Nursing 2003:14-20.
2. Edwards H, Gaskill D, Nash R. Treating skin tears in nursing home residents: a pilot study comparing four types of dressings. Int J Nurs Pract. 1998 Mar;4(1):25-32.
3. McGough-Csarny J, Kopac C. Skin tears in institutionalized elderly: An epidemiological study. Ostomy Wound Manage. 1998 Mar; 44(3A Suppl):14S-24S.
4. Kirkpatrick M. Skin tears; The enemy of the aged. Australian Resource Centre for Healthcare Innovations. 2005 Dec 21 [cited 2005 Dec 13]. Available from Internet: http://www.archi.net.au/elibrary/health_administration/baxter_2005_nsw_health_awards/education_and_training/skin_tears
5. Murray E. Guidelines for the management of skin tears. Nurs Monogr. 2005;31-6.
6. McErlean B, Sandson S, Muir D, et al. Skin tear prevalence and management at one hospital. Prim Int. 2004 May;12(2):83-6, 88.
7. O’Regan A. Skin tears: a review of the literature. World Counc Enterostom Therapists J. 2002:22(2):26-31.
8. Malone ML, Rozario N, Gavinski M, et al. The epidemiology of skin tears in the institutionalized elderly. J Am Geriatri Soc. 1991 Jun;39(6):591-5.
9. Ayello EA., Preventing pressure ulcers and skin tears. In: Mezey M, Fulmer T, Abraham I, Zwicker DA, editor(s). Geriaric nursing protocols for best practice. 2^nd ed. New York (NY): Springer Publishing Company, Inc.;2003.p. 165-84.
10. Meuleneire F. Using a soft silicone coated net dressing to manage skin tears. J Wound Care. 11(10):365-9, 2002 Nov.
11. Thomas D, Goode P, LaMaster K, et al. A comparison of an opaque foam dressing versus a transparent film dressing in the management of skin tears in institutionalized subjects. Ostomy Wound Manage. 1999 Jun 45(6):2228.
12. Morey P. Skin tears: a case review. Prim Intent. 2003 Nov;11(4):197-8, 200-2.
13. Baranoski, S. How to prevent and manage skin tears. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2003 Sep-Oct;16(5):268-70.
14. Hess K. Skin IQ - Preventing skin tears. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2004 Jul/Aug 17(6):277.
15. White W. Skin tears: a descriptive study of the opinions, clinical practice and knowledge base of RNs caring for the aged in high care residential facilities. Prim Int. 2001 Nov;9(4):138-49.
16. Cuzzell J. Wound assessment and evaluation: Skin tear protocol. Dermatol Nurs. 2002 Dec;(6):405.
17. Brillhart B. Pressure sore and skin tear prevention and treatment during a 10-month program. Rehabil Nurs. 30(3):85-91, 2005 May-Jun.
18. Birch S, Coggins T. No-rinse, one-step bed bath:The effects on the occurrence of skin tears in a long-term care setting. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2003 Jan 49(1):64-7.
19. Koepsel K., Blisters, abrasions, skin tears. PodiatryNetwork.com. [online]. 2002. [cited 2005 Dec 27]. Available from Internet: http://www.podiatrynetwork.com/r_blisters.cfm
20. Cleveland clinic. How to Care for a Skin Tear. [online]. 2003. [cited 2005 Dec 27]. Available from Internet: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3885.asp?index=4277&src=news
21. Gallagher S. Morbid obesity: A chronic disease with an impact on wounds and relted problems. Ostomy Wound Manage. 1997 Jun;43(5):18-27.
22. Payne RL, Martin ML. The epidemiology and management of skin tears in older adults. Ostomy Wound Manage. 1990 Jan-Feb;26:26-37.
23. Payne RL, Martin ML. Defining and classifying skin tears: need for a common language. Ostomy Wound Manage. 1993 Jun;39(5):16-20, 22-4, 26.
24. Milne CT, Corbett LQ. A new option in the treatment of skin tears for the institutionalized resident: formulated 2 octylcyanoacrylate topical bandage. Geriatr Nurs. 2005 Sep-Oct; 26(5):321-5.