Wound Care Services
Skin Tear Care
Skin tears occur when the skin separates from underlying tissue, often from friction or minor trauma. They are especially common in older adults and patients with thin, fragile skin, and they can benefit from careful assessment and appropriate dressing selection.
Who This May Be For
- Older adults with thin or fragile skin
- Patients on medications that can affect skin integrity
- Caregivers managing frequent minor skin injuries
- Patients whose skin tear is not closing as expected
What to Expect
- Careful assessment of the skin tear and surrounding tissue
- Selection of dressings appropriate to fragile skin
- Education for patients and caregivers on preventing further skin injury
- Ongoing monitoring until the area is stable
When to Seek Care
- A skin tear that is not closing or appears to be worsening
- Recurrent skin tears in a patient with fragile skin
- Uncertainty about appropriate dressing choice at home
Reviewed by
Taylor Bryce Mitchell, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Last reviewed: January 2026
This page provides general information and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation.