Vanzi V, Toma E, et al.
Nursing older people. Date of publication 2018 Mar 23;volume 30(3):26-31.
1. Nurs Older People. 2018 Mar 23;30(3):26-31. doi: 10.7748/nop.2018.e1022.
Recognising and managing age-related dermatoporosis and skin tears.
Vanzi V(1), Toma E(2).
Author information:
(1)Wound care, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
(2)Wound care, independent tissue viability consultant, Rome, Italy.
Dermatoporosis is a chronic skin fragility syndrome, caused by age and
environmental factors. People with dermatoporosis have skin whose protective
mechanical function is reduced and which has a decreased tolerance for friction
and shearing forces. Skin tears are another clinical consequence of
age-associated skin vulnerability and people with dermatoporosis are at increased
risk of skin tears. Dermatoporosis may also delay the healing of skin tears,
making it vital that healthcare professionals are aware of this condition. Skin
tears have profound effects on the health and well-being of older people, and
these kinds of injuries are being seen more frequently in clinical practice as
the average age of the population increases. The treatment of skin tears in three
older people with dermatoporosis is discussed and the clinical decisions made in
each case.
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DOI: 10.7748/nop.2018.e1022
PMID: 29569862 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: None declared
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