What are skin tears in older adults?

• A. Separation of skin layers from minimal trauma
• B. Full-thickness pressure ulcers
• C. Deep tissue injuries
• D. Thermal burns

Answer: (A)

Skin tears are injuries from aging skin that become separated into layers with only minimal trauma. As skin ages, it becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile, so a small bump, friction from clothing, or a simple transfer can cause the epidermis to peel away from the underlying layers, sometimes leaving a flap of skin attached. This is distinct from a full-thickness pressure ulcer, which results from prolonged pressure causing tissue death; a deep tissue injury, which shows damage under intact skin as a purple or maroon area; and a thermal burn, which is tissue destruction from heat. So the description of separation of skin layers from minimal trauma best matches what skin tears are. Prevention and care focus on gentle handling, protecting the fragile skin, and using non-adherent dressings that preserve the skin flap while promoting a clean, moist healing environment.