Skin tears are prevalent in the elderly population and frequently encountered in emergency and unscheduled care. Patients may present soon after an acute skin tear or, depending on circumstance, at a later stage, when wound presentation may be
different and complications present. This article explains why traditional management involving the use of adhesives strips is no longer advocated. It seeks to educate the reader on current evidence-based recommendations so that appropriate treatment can be provided and aims to guide practitioners towards safe and specific onward referral of patients. Risk factors and strategies for prevention of skin tears are also discussed
