Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Clearing the Gap
• Part 2 of 4: Bandaging the gap
• Part 3 of 4: Rupture Treatment
• Part 4 of 4: How to Prevent Skin Rupture

A skin tear is an injury in which the skin loses its integrity or begins to separate from each other, resulting in a small but painful wound. Skin can rupture for a variety of reasons, which is why rupture is the most common type of injury in the elderly and newborns. Skin rupture can also occur in people who are unable to walk, have chronic diseases, or have been taking steroids for a long period of time. To prevent infection and heal the rupture, clean the wound and bandage it well. If the wound is large, you should seek medical attention.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Clearing the Gap

1. 1 Flush the gap with warm water. First, rinse the tear and surrounding skin with warm water. Use your other hand to gently wash the wound. Avoid rubbing the wound to avoid further damage to the skin.
   • Do not wash the wound with a towel or rag, as this will irritate the skin even more. A hand and running water are enough.
   • Be sure to flush the gap before applying a new dressing or bandage. This way you protect yourself from possible ingestion of bacteria.
2. 2 Use saline solution to clean the wound. To clean the wound, flush the tear with saline. This remedy is composed of water and antibacterial ingredients to help cleanse the wound.
   • Do not rub the wound when applying the product.
3. 3 Wait for the tear to dry naturally. This can take 10 to 20 minutes. Take a soft towel and pat the wound dry, but never scrub or clean it.

Part 2 of 4: Bandaging the gap

1. 1 If possible, apply a skin flap to the wound. If the flap is still connected to the tear, take a piece of cotton wool soaked in water and gently slide the flap back into place. The same can be done with tweezers or fingers, after putting on a rubber glove. This will help the wound heal better.
2. 2 Apply a gauze bandage with petroleum jelly. Gauze dressing with petroleum jelly is great for tearing the skin as it protects the wound and keeps it moist, thereby speeding up healing. These dressings are sold in strips. Use scissors to cut the desired piece of the bandage. Then apply a bandage, leaving 2.5 cm of gauze around the wound.
   • You can buy a petroleum jelly gauze bandage at your local pharmacy or order online.
3. 3 Bandage the wound with the Curlix gauze bandage. Bandages "Curlix" are made from a thick layer of gauze. These dressings can be found in pharmacies or ordered online. They will help protect the gap and keep it from drying out. Secure the bandage to the wound with adhesive tape. Attach the tape to the bandage, not to the skin.
   • To prevent the tear from drying out, change the Curlix dressing every 1–2 hours.
4. 4 Change your bandage regularly. Change the dressing on the wound once or twice a day. Soak the bandages in saline to make it easier for you to remove them, especially for adhesive bandages. Remove the bandages backward from the skin flap. Flush the tear with water before attaching a new dressing.
   • Be sure to check the wound for signs of infection such as swelling, foul odor, pus, or warmth from the rupture site.See your doctor if you suspect a wound has become infected or if the wound is not getting better.

Part 3 of 4: Rupture Treatment

1. 1 Ask your doctor to seal the gap with medical glue. If a rupture results in an open wound, make an appointment with your doctor to cover the wound with medical glue. This will allow the tear to heal and prevent infection from entering the wound.
   • If the wound on your skin hurts badly, your doctor may numb the skin before applying medical glue.
2. 2 Talk to your doctor about the need for stitches. Your doctor may advise you to close the wound with stitches. If the tear is very severe and there is a risk of infection, you may need stitches. The doctor will locally numb the wound area before stitching.
3. 3 Get a prescription for pain relievers from your doctor. Skin tears can be very painful, especially if they are in sensitive areas of the body. Ask your doctor for a prescription for pain relievers to relieve pain while the tear heals.
   • Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers that you can buy at your local pharmacy.

Part 4 of 4: How to Prevent Skin Rupture

1. 1 Moisturize your skin. Apply lotion or other moisturizer to your skin, especially your hands and feet. Dry skin is much more likely to rupture than moist skin.
   • Water also helps moisturize your skin, so be sure to drink 2 liters of water a day.
2. 2 Eat a healthy diet. The foods you eat can also affect your skin. Foods that promote skin health include nuts, tomatoes, spinach, and oily fish.
3. 3 Provide adequate lighting. Skin tears are often the result of an impact. Ensure that there is adequate lighting in the home and at work to avoid such incidents.