Incidence of Skin Tears and Risk Factors

Abstract

Skin tears are traumatic wounds resulting from friction and shearing forces. Clinical practice strongly indicates that skin tears are a prevalent problem but their incidence is not well established in the literature. This systematic literature review identified and evaluated the available literature on the incidence and risk factors for skin tears in adults and the elderly. Inclusion criteria were epidemiological studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese languages from January 1990 through June 2014 and available in full text. Study quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and the Guidelines for Critically Appraising Studies of Prevalence or Incidence of a Health Problem. Five studies reporting incidence of skin tears met the selection criteria. Reported incidence rates of skin tears ranged from 2.23% to 92% in long-term care facilities and varied from 2.1% among men to 4.6% among women living in the community. The most prevalent risk factor for skin tears was old age, followed by impaired mobility, falls and accidental injuries, previous skin tears, cognitive deficit/dementia, dependence in transfers, and upper limbs. Further epidemiological studies on skin tears are necessary to elucidate the cause of these injuries and identify the profile of people at risk for skin tears, contributing to the development and implementation of appropriate preventive interventions.

Swedish translation and validation of the international skin tear advisory panel skin tear classification system

“…Common complications of these wounds are pain and infection, and the risk of delayed wound healing is high . In a recently published systematic literature review, it was shown that the most prevalent risk factors for skin tears are old age, followed by impaired mobility, falls and accidental injuries, previous skin tears, cognitive deficit/dementia, and dependence in transfer …”

“…3 In a recently published systematic literature review, it was shown that the most prevalent risk factors for skin tears are old age, followed by impaired mobility, falls and accidental injuries, previous skin tears, cognitive deficit/dementia, and dependence in transfer. 4 The presence of skin tears is underreported but is believed to be as, or even more, common than pressure ulcers. 1 Among elderly nursing home residents, the prevalence of skin tears has been reported to be 22% 5 and between 6% and 11% 6,7 in acute care.…”

ISTAP classification for skin tears: Validation for Brazilian Portuguese

“…Besides, the main risk factors associated with ST were advanced age and dependency to perform basic daily activities . The ST incidence, also in a systematic review, varied between 2.23% and 92% in long‐term care facilities for the elderly and 2.1% in men and 4.6% in women in the community …”

“…15 The ST incidence, also in a systematic review, varied between 2.23% and 92% in long-term care facilities for the elderly and 2.1% in men and 4.6% in women in the community. 16 Two ST-validated classification systems have been reported in the literature: the Skin Tear Audit Research (STAR) 3 and the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP). 1 There exists numerous articles pertaining to the epidemiology and ST best practices in recent years.…”

A risk model for the prediction of skin tears in aged care residents: A prospective cohort study

“…Skin tears comprise a substantial proportion of all wounds found amongst older adults . They are commonly defined as “a traumatic wound occurring principally on the extremities of older adults, as a result of friction alone or shearing and friction forces which separate the epidermis from the dermis (partial‐thickness wound) or which separates both the epidermis and the dermis from underlying structures (full‐thickness wound)” .…”