What is a cut or tear in the skin that results from an injury called?

What is a cut or tear in the skin that results from an injury called?

A cut is a break or opening in the skin. It is also called a laceration. A cut may be deep, smooth, or jagged.

What type of injury is a skin tear?

A skin tear is a traumatic wound caused by mechanical forces, including removal of adhesives. Severity may vary by depth (not extending through the subcutaneous layer). Skin tears are acute wounds, which have a high probability of becoming complex chronic wounds, if not properly managed.

What is the medical term for a skin tear?

In practice, skin tears are often referred to under the general terms of ‘laceration’ or ‘cutaneous laceration’. However, a skin tear is a specific injury that is very different from a general laceration (which is defined by soft tissue tearing).

What is skin tear?

A skin tear is a wound that happens when the layers of skin separate or peel back. They can happen as a result of bumping something, dressing changes, or washing or drying the skin harshly. They most often happen on the arms or legs.

Is a skin tear considered an open wound?

Open wound types include abrasions, excoriation, skin tears, avulsions, lacerations and punctures, according to our Skin and Wound Management course workbook. Traumatic open wounds involve a disruption in the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues caused by mechanical forces.

What stage is a skin tear?

Stage 1 – non-blanchable erythema. Stage 2 – partial thickness skin loss. Stage 3 – full thickness skin loss. Stage 4 – full thickness tissue loss.

What is the best treatment for a skin tear?

How to Treat a Skin Tear

• If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate it as much as possible.
• Rinse the skin tear with tap water or a saline solution.
• Either let the skin tear air dry or pat it dry very carefully.
• If there is a flap of skin, gently lay it back in place or as close as possible.

Should you cover a skin tear?

Be sure to keep your skin tear covered and clean to prevent infection. Get medical help if you have a large tear or signs of infection.

How do you treat a skin tear?

How to Treat a Skin Tear

1. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate it as much as possible.
2. Rinse the skin tear with tap water or a saline solution.
3. Either let the skin tear air dry or pat it dry very carefully.
4. If there is a flap of skin, gently lay it back in place or as close as possible.

How often should you change a skin tear dressing?

Every skin tear should be treated as a potentially serious injury. For the type of wound shown in the video, changing the dressing every 3 to 5 days should be sufficient. If the wound is larger or deeper, or there is blood or a discharge oozing from the dressing, more frequent changes may be required.

How do you prevent skin tears?

There is no way to fully prevent skin tears, but there are some extra steps you can take to protect and prevent a tear. Ways to prevent skin tears: Clean, moisturize and protect your skin. Use a no-rinse, pH-balanced soap for bathing.

How do you dress a skin tear?

Avoid using a towel or cloth to wash the area, as this can irritate the skin tear further. Your hand and running water should work just fine. Make sure you clean the skin tear before you apply a new dressing or bandage to it. This will ensure no bacteria is present in the skin tear before you bandage it.

How do you care for skin tear?

Prevent a skin tear: Clean, moisturize, and protect your skin. Baths, hot showers, and soap can dry your skin and increase your risk for skin tears. Take lukewarm showers, use mild soap as directed, and gently pat your skin dry. Use lotion to keep your skin moist after you shower.

What is the type of wound that has tearing of the skin?

Skin tears are wounds that may look like large cuts or scrapes. They’re considered acute wounds. This means they occur suddenly and typically heal in an expected fashion over time. However, for some people, skin tears can become complex, chronic wounds.