Skin tears occur when your skin splits open or separates from itself, causing a small but painful wound.Skin tears are among the most common forms of injury due to a wide variety of causes.People who are immobile, have a chronic illness, or take steroids for a long period of time can also develop skin tears.To heal a skin tear, start by cleaning it and bandaging it properly.It is possible for a doctor to care for severe skin tears.
Step 1: Use soap and water to clean your hands.
You need to wash your hands before handling your torn skin.The dirt could get into the wound and cause an illness.To wash your hands, use soap and warm water.If you don't have access to soap and water, rub your hands with a hand sanitizer.
Step 2: The skin tear can be washed with warm water or sterile saline.
Warm water should be used to wash the skin tear and surrounding skin.You can find sterile saline wound wash at most drugstores.To wash the area, use your hand.Rub or clean the area, as this can cause more damage to the skin.If you use a towel or cloth to wash the area, it can irritate the skin tear further.Your hand and running water are fine.Before you apply a new dressing or bandage, make sure you clean the skin tear.Before you bandage the skin tear, make sure there is nobacteria present.
Step 3: A wound cleanser is an alternative to water.
You can use a wound cleanser on the skin tear.Water and anti-bacterial ingredients will be contained in the wound cleanser.Try to wash away any dirt or debris by rinsing the area thoroughly.Rub or clean the area when you apply the wound cleanser.You can buy a wound cleanser at drugstores.
Step 4: The skin tear should be allowed to dry.
It could take 10 to 20 minutes.To dry the area, use a soft towel and be careful not to rub or scrub it.If you decide to pat the area dry, avoid using tissue, a cotton ball, or any other material that could leave fragments behind in the wound.
Step 5: If possible, Tuck the skin flap over the tear.
If the skin flap is still attached to the tear, you can gently ease it back into place with a damp cotton swab.You can use a gloved finger or a pair of tweezers.The skin tear will heal better if the flap is put back in place.Don't cut off the skin flap.
Step 6: If you want to keep the wound moist, cover the tear with a petroleum jelly pad.
It is a good option for skin tears as it will protect the wound and keep it moist so it can heal.There are strips of petroleum jelly.To fit the area, use scissors.After applying the gauze over the skin tear, it should leave a 1 in ( 2.5 cm) around the tear.You can get non-stick dressings at your local drugstore.You can protect your wound with hydrogel dressings.
Step 7: Wrap the area with a kerlix bandage.
Kerlix bandages are made of thick, stretchy gauze.They will help to keep the skin moist.Wrap the kerlix bandage around the dressing to hold it in place.You probably won't need to tape it in place because Kerlix sticks to itself.If you have to use medical tape to keep it from being unwrapped, make sure you stick it to the bandage and not the skin.The stockinette is a tube-shaped bandage that fits in place without needing to be wrapped or taped down.
Step 8: The outer bandages should be replaced at least once a day.
During the first 3-4 days after an injury, it's a good idea to change the outer dressing once or twice daily.They need to be changed if they get wet or dirty.
Step 9: The inner dressing should be changed every few days.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's a good idea to change the dressing on the skin tear on a daily basis.Lift the bandages away from the skin flap.Before applying a new bandage, you need to clean the skin tear.While changing the dressing, check the skin tear for any signs of infections, such as swelling, odor, or heat coming from the wound.If the skin tear doesn't seem to be getting better, you should see a doctor.
Step 10: Ask the doctor if it's possible to seal an open tear with medical glue.
You may need to see a doctor if the skin tear causes an open wound.Medical glue can be used to close a skin tear.This will help the skin to heal.The doctor may numb the area before applying medical glue if the skin tear is very painful.
Step 11: Discuss how to repair a severe skin tear.
The doctor may recommend stitches to close the skin tear.If the skin tear is severe, this may be an option.The doctor will put a local anesthesia on the area before stitching it up.When to return to have your stitches removed and how to care for them will be given by your doctor.The stitches may need to stay in for a few days to 2 weeks depending on where the wound is located.
Step 12: The doctor can give you pain medication.
If skin tears are located on a sensitive spot on the body, they can be sore and painful.As the skin heals, you should ask your doctor for prescription pain medication.You can get over-the-counter pain medication at your local drugstore if the doctor recommends it.
Step 13: Make your skin soft.
It's a good idea to apply a product to your skin on your arms and legs.The skin that is dry is more easy to tear.If you want to keep your skin hydrated, be sure to drink an 8 ounce glass of water 8 times a day.
Step 14: You can improve your skin condition by eating a healthy diet.
The foods you eat can affect your skin.If you want to keep your skin in good condition, you need to eat a variety of healthy foods.Candy, chips, cookies, and greasy fast food are not good choices.Lean meats, such as poultry, beans, or tofu, are good options.
Step 15: It's a good idea to wear protective clothing while you work.
If you do yard work, you should wear protective clothing to keep your skin safe.This can be done in the same way as wearing long sleeves and pants.Gloves or wrappings are a good way to protect your hands.Stockinette bandages can be used to protect vulnerable areas.
Step 16: Sun exposure should be limited as much as possible.
The sun can make your skin dry and prone to tears.It is advisable to stay out of the sun as much as possible.If you have to go out, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it every 2 hours.Light, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and broad-brimmed hats can be used to protect your skin from the sun.
Step 17: Don't bathe frequently to prevent dry skin.
You might think that bathing frequently in the tub would be hydrating, but bathing too often can dry out your skin and make it more prone to tearing.If possible, keep your showers and baths short and avoid bathing more than once a day.After you get out of the tub or shower, smooth on a gentle lotion to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.
Step 18: It is necessary to light your environment adequately.
bumping into your surroundings can cause skin tears.Make sure your home or work has adequate light sources.Motion-sensing nightlights can be installed if you don't want to have lights on all the time.You could put one of these lights in the hallway to help you find your way to the bathroom.
Step 19: You can either remove or pad objects that might come in contact with them.
You are more likely to get skin tears if you constantly bumping into furniture as you move around your home.It's a good idea to have a clear path from one area to another in dark places.If you have a coffee table that you don't want to move, try padding it with foam to prevent accidents.