Patient Education: Skin Tear – Ulcer Wound

What Is a Skin Tear – Ulcer Wound?

A skin tear happens when the skin is pulled, scraped, or ripped. This type of wound is common in older adults because the skin is thin and fragile. If the wound does not heal well, it can turn into an ulcer wound, which means the skin breaks down more deeply and is slow to heal.

Causes of a Skin Tear – Ulcer Wound

Bumping into furniture, doors, or equipment
Pulling off tape or bandages too roughly
Falls or accidents
Skin rubbing against clothes or sheets
Fragile, thin skin (common in older age or with certain illnesses)

Prevention

Keep skin moisturized to reduce dryness and cracking.
Wear long sleeves and pants to protect the skin.
Be gentle when removing tape or bandages.
Use padding on sharp furniture edges.
Keep nails short to avoid accidental scratches.
Avoid pressure or rubbing on the wound.

Treatment (as per your doctor’s order)

The wound will be gently cleaned.
The skin flap (if still attached) may be placed back over the wound.
A special non-stick dressing will cover the wound.
Dressings should be changed as your nurse or doctor instructs.
You may be given medicine for pain or infection.
Keep the area protected and avoid bumping it again.

What To Do if the Dressing is Compromised

A compromised dressing means the bandage is wet, dirty, loose, or has fallen off.

Do not tape back on a dirty or wet dressing.
Wash your hands.
Cover the wound with a clean, dry cloth if you do not have wound supplies.
Call your home health nurse for instructions.
If the wound is bleeding heavily, go to the emergency room.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Redness around the wound
Warmth or swelling near the wound
Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or chills
Increased pain

Signs and Symptoms of Worsening Wound

Skin flap turns black or dies
Wound edges pull apart
Wound becomes larger instead of smaller
No healing after a few weeks

Diet for Wound Healing

The right foods help your skin heal faster:

Protein: chicken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts
Fruits and vegetables: especially those with Vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli
Zinc: found in seeds, whole grains, lean meat
Fluids: drink plenty of water

⚠️ Important: If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor or home health nurse before adding more protein or vitamins to your diet.

When to Contact the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Your dressing becomes loose, wet, or dirty
Mild redness, swelling, or drainage starts
You have questions about wound care or diet
Pain increases slightly

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Bleeding that will not stop
Large amounts of pus or foul drainage
Fever with shaking chills
Redness spreading quickly
Severe pain not relieved by medicine
Signs of sepsis (confusion, very fast heartbeat, trouble breathing)

Patient Homework/Assessment: True or False

Write True or False beside each statement:

True or False: A skin tear can turn into an ulcer wound if it does not heal properly.
True or False: Skin tears are common in older adults with thin, fragile skin.
True or False: Pulling tape off too quickly can cause a skin tear.
True or False: Keeping skin dry and unmoisturized prevents skin tears.
True or False: Wearing long sleeves and pants can help protect fragile skin.
True or False: A compromised dressing is one that is clean and secure.
True or False: If a dressing is dirty, you should tape it back down.
True or False: Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
True or False: If your dressing falls off, you should cover the wound with a clean cloth and call your nurse.
True or False: Eating protein helps wounds heal faster.
True or False: Fruits and vegetables with Vitamin C can help skin repair.
True or False: People with kidney problems should ask their doctor before changing their diet.
True or False: Wound edges pulling apart may mean the wound is worsening.
True or False: Fever and chills may mean the infection is spreading.
True or False: It is okay to skip antibiotics if you feel better after a few days.
True or False: You should always wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
True or False: Spreading redness around the wound is a reason to go to the ER.
True or False: Moisturizing skin can lower the chance of skin tears.
True or False: Covering furniture edges and being careful can help prevent new skin tears.
True or False: If bleeding will not stop, you should go to the emergency room right away.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Poor healing can lead to ulcer wounds.
True – Thin, fragile skin tears easily in older adults.
True – Rough tape removal is a common cause.
False – Dry skin tears more easily; moisturizers help prevent this.
True – Clothing can protect skin from bumps and scratches.
False – A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, or off.
False – Never reuse a dirty dressing; cover with clean cloth instead.
True – Classic signs of wound infection.
True – Clean covering protects the wound until the nurse can help.
True – Protein helps rebuild skin and tissue.
True – Vitamin C supports healing and collagen repair.
True – Kidney disease changes what is safe in the diet.
True – Wounds pulling apart mean poor healing.
True – Fever and chills are warning signs of spreading infection.
False – Always finish antibiotics as prescribed.
True – Clean hands lower infection risk.
True – Spreading redness can mean a dangerous infection.
True – Moisturized skin is less likely to tear.
True – Prevention includes safety measures at home.
True – Uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency.