Aging skin is at higher risk for which complication in wound care?

• A. Increased elasticity
• B. Decreased fragility
• C. Rapid closure
• D. Skin tears

Answer: (D)

Aging skin is more prone to skin tears because the skin becomes thinner, with reduced collagen and elastin, and there is less subcutaneous tissue and moisture. This combination weakens the protective barrier and makes the skin easily torn by minor trauma, friction, or shear during routine activities or dressing changes. In wound care, this means taking extra care to handle the skin gently, use non-adherent or soft dressings, and minimize adhesive trauma to prevent these tears from occurring and to promote healing. The other options don’t fit because aging skin does not gain elasticity or become less fragile, and healing is not typically rapid in older adults.