Preventing skin tears
Published: 15/06/2026
Last edited: 03/08/2026
Code: 00928
| 1. Identify risk | Consider whether the person has fragile or dry skin, reduced mobility, poor nutrition or hydration, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, previous skin tears, long-term steroid use, or requires support with transfers, bathing, dressing or positioning. |
| 2. Prevent injury | Protect fragile skin with long sleeves and trousers, avoid tight clothing and jewellery, keep nails short, use good lighting, remove trip hazards, wear well-fitting footwear, use safe moving and handling equipment, and use a sliding sheet where appropriate. |
| 3. Maintain skin health | Use pH-friendly soap or soap substitute, pat skin dry rather than rubbing, apply moisturising cream regularly, encourage a balanced diet and adequate fluids, and check the skin daily for new damage or changes. |
| 4. If a skin tear happens | Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding and elevate the limb where possible. Seek medical support. |
| 5. Clean and protect | A healthcare professional should cleanse the wound, remove visible debris, ease any skin flap back into place without pulling, and apply an appropriate soft silicone dressing or bandage, depending on the wound location. |
| 6. Monitor | The dressing may be left in place for up to seven days unless there are concerns. Monitor for increased pain, redness, heat, swelling, odour, increasing wound fluid, bleeding, or signs that the wound is worsening. |
| 7. Escalate | Seek medical attention if the skin flap or surrounding skin becomes dark, bleeding continues, there is suspected infection, or the dressing becomes saturated. |
This pathway is intended to support prevention and early management. Please follow local clinical guidance and seek advice from a healthcare professional if there are any concerns
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
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