Preventing, assessing and treating skin tears.

Why you should read this article: • To increase your awareness of the pathophysiology of, and risk factors for, skin tears • To enhance your knowledge of the initial treatment and ongoing management of skin tears • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Skin tears are acute wounds caused by mechanical forces resulting in the separation of the skin's outer layers. Skin tears are more likely to occur in vulnerable people such as older people and people with neurodegenerative conditions. Rising life expectancy means that the number of patients with skin tears is expected to increase. This article describes the characteristics of skin tears, details the risk factors for skin tears and explains the importance of using a holistic, evidence-based and person-centred approach to skin tear prevention, assessment and treatment. The article outlines the crucial role of nurses as part of the multidisciplinary team in the management of skin tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]