Skin Tears Terminology
Glossary of Useful Wound Care Terms
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Acute wound
A disruption in the integrity of the skin and any underlying tissue. Acute wounds generally heal within a normal wound healing timeframe (approximately 4 weeks).
Aseptic technique
It is a set of medical practices and procedures designed to reduce the risk of infection-causing pathogens contaminating an invasive device or a person.
Debridement
This is the process used to remove dead or highly infected tissue to facilitate wound healing.
Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, located between the epidermis and the hypodermis. The dermis is the skin’s thickest layer and is composed of fibrous and elastic tissue.
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost of the three main layers that make up the skin.
Exudate
This is a fluid that oozes out of cuts, areas of infection and inflammation. Exudate is made up of water, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, and nutrients. It is sometimes called pus.
Full-thickness
A full-thickness wound is one where the tissue damage involves the total loss of the epidermal and dermal layers. It often extends to the subcutaneous layer and sometimes even into the muscle and bone.
Maceration
Maceration is the softening and breaking down of the skin because of prolonged exposure to moisture.
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Non-adherent dressing
A dressing that does not adhere to the wound bed, thereby reducing any further trauma to the injured skin upon removal.
Partial-thickness
A partial-thickness wound is one where the damage does not extend below the dermal layer.
Periwound
The periwound is defined as the area immediately surrounding the wound.
Primary wound contact layer
This is a thin, non-adherent, mesh dressing placed on an open wound bed to protect the tissue from direct contact with any secondary dressings. A primary wound contact layer can help facilitate the passage of fluid and allow for the use of topical ointments.
Secondary dressing
Secondary dressings are sometimes used to increase the efficacy of the primary dressing and to keep it in place. Other secondary dressings are absorbent, which means that they absorb any blood or exudate that may pass through the primary dressing.
Skin tears
A skin tear is a traumatic wound caused by mechanical force such as blunt force, friction, shear, a fall, or the removal of a strong adhesive. It involves the partial or full separation of the skin’s layers. Although skin tears resemble cuts or scrapes, there is usually a remaining skin flap that must be preserved if possible.
Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is made up of three main layers known as the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The skin is the body’s main line of defence against toxins, trauma, and microorganisms. The skin is intended to protect, regulate temperature, secrete sebum, and synthesise vitamin D.
Useful videos:
How to apply & remove dressings
ISTAP classification
Silicone dressings
Useful articles:
Skin tears glossary – Download this article
A guide to the aeitiology, prevalence, prevention, assessment and management of skin tears
A breakdown of the key benefits of silicone dressings for skin tears
Disclaimer:
Please note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content presented, it is purely for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.