From the Guidelines
To treat a skin tear, first gently clean the wound with saline solution or mild soap and water, then apply a non-adherent dressing such as a silicone mesh dressing (like Mepitel) to maintain a moist healing environment without sticking to the wound, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When managing a skin tear, it is essential to prioritize gentle care to promote healing and prevent further injury.
Key Considerations
- Clean the wound with saline solution or mild soap and water to remove any debris or bacteria.
- If the skin flap is still viable, carefully reposition it over the wound using a cotton swab or gloved finger.
- Apply a non-adherent dressing, such as Mepitel, to maintain a moist healing environment without sticking to the wound, as suggested by the U.K. guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults 2016 1.
- Secure the dressing with paper tape or a wrap bandage, avoiding adhesives directly on fragile skin.
- Change the dressing every 3-5 days unless it becomes soiled or dislodged.
Prevention and Quality of Life
Prevention is crucial, especially for elderly individuals with thin skin, to reduce the risk of skin tears and promote overall quality of life.
- Use moisturizers daily to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
- Pad furniture edges and wear long sleeves for protection to reduce the risk of friction and shearing forces.
- Use proper lifting techniques to avoid shearing forces and prevent skin tears. By following these guidelines and prioritizing gentle care, individuals with skin tears can promote healing, prevent further injury, and improve their overall quality of life, as supported by the recommendations from the U.K. guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults 2016 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage Uses first aid to help prevent infection and for the temporary relief of pain or discomfort in minor: cuts scrapes burns
The bacitracin (TOP) can be used for minor cuts and scrapes, which may include skin tears. However, the label does not explicitly mention skin tears.
- The product is for first aid to help prevent infection and for the temporary relief of pain or discomfort in minor injuries.
- It is recommended to clean the affected area and apply a small amount of the product, which may be covered with a sterile bandage 2, 2.
From the Research
Skin Tear Management
- Skin tears can be managed with topical treatments to prevent infection and promote healing
- Triple-antibiotic ointment (TAO) is a safe and effective topical agent for preventing infections in minor skin trauma, including skin tears 3
- TAO contains neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin in a petrolatum base, and is active against common disease-causing pathogens found in wounds and on the skin
Prevention of Infection and Scarring
- TAO can be used to prevent infection and minimize scarring in skin tears 4
- A study comparing TAO to simple gauze-type dressings in dermabrasion wounds found that TAO was superior in minimizing scarring and pigmentary changes 4
- The use of TAO can be considered as a prophylactic measure to prevent infection and promote healing in skin tears, especially in cases where oral therapy is not feasible or desirable 3