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Skin changes increasing the risk of tears

Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, November 30, 2007

Aging changes in the skin that increase the risk of skin tears in the elderly include:

  • The epidermis thins, increasing vulnerability to trauma
  • Loss of subcutaneous fat decreases the protective layer
  • Water loss increases, causing a high risk of bruises and infection
  • Blood vessels become thinner, more fragile, and more prominent
  • Elastin decreases, so skin stretches more readily and doesn't rebound as well

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