Skin tears are a common occurrence in the elderly population, and they can be a cause for concern due to the increased risk of infection and other complications. Luckily there are easy ways to prevent and if necessary treat skin tears.
How to prevent skin tears
Preventing skin tears in elderly people involves taking several measures to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some tips to help prevent skin tears:
- Keep skin moisturized: Dry, brittle skin is more prone to tearing. Apply a moisturizer (eg L-Mesitran Soft) regularly to help keep the skin supple and prevent tearing.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Loose clothing can catch on objects and cause skin tears. Wear clothing that fits well and does not have any loose or hanging parts that could catch on objects.
- Keep the environment safe: Ensure that the environment is free from obstacles or hazards that could cause falls or injuries. Remove clutter and ensure that the floor is dry and slip-resistant.
- Avoid rough handling: Be gentle when handling elderly people, particularly when assisting them with movements or transfers. Use lifting devices, such as lifts or transfer belts, to help prevent injury.
- Use protective gear: When engaging in activities that involve the risk of injury, such as gardening or woodworking, wear protective gloves and clothing to help prevent skin tears.
- Address any underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of skin tears. Work with a healthcare professional to manage any underlying health conditions to help prevent skin tears.
By taking these preventive measures, elderly people can minimize the risk of skin tears and avoid the associated pain and complications. However, in the event of a skin tear, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent infection and promote healing.

How to treat skin tears
Despite the best efforts to prevent skin tears, they can still occur. Here are some guidelines for treating skin tears:
- Seek medical attention: If the wound is deep, large, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge), seek medical attention immediately.
- Control bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage until the bleeding stops.
- Clean the wound: Use a saline solution or mild soap and water to clean the wound. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can be too harsh and delay healing.
- Cover the wound: Apply a sterile dressing to the wound to protect it from infection and further injury. Change the dressing regularly, as instructed by a healthcare professional.
Treatment with L-Mesitran, containing Medical-Grade Honey
The wound-healing products made by L-Mesitran primarely use a component called Medical-grade honey. MGH follows strict criteria to guarantee safety, quality, and efficacy. For example, honey purchased from a regular beekeeper can contain pollutants such as herbicides or pesticides, while honey bought at a supermarket is often sterilized with heat which inactivates the beneficial enzymes.
The benefits of medical-grade honey for skin tears in the elderly population are numerous. The most important reasons why MGH is a great alternative are the following:
Antibacterial activity
Medical-Grade Honey has antibacterial properties that can help prevent and resolve infection in skin tears.
Promotes wound healing
A moist environment, in contrary to a dry one, can help promote wound healing and the formation of new skin cells.
Reduces pain
The use of medical-grade honey can help reduce pain associated with skin tears by reducing inflammation.
Safe and easy to use
Our products are safe to use and easy to apply. It is important to follow our instructions carefully.
Medical-Grade Honey helps treating skin tears
Skin tears are a common occurrence in the elderly population, and prevention is the best approach to manage them. Proper hydration, appropriate protective equipment, protecting fragile skin, and being gentle during movement are some strategies to reduce the risk of skin tears. In case a skin tear occurs, controlling bleeding, cleaning the wound, covering it with L-mesitran, and seeking medical attention when necessary are essential steps for treating skin tears. By taking these steps, we can help elderly people maintain healthy skin and avoid complications associated with skin tears.
Request a sample now!
Our products are backed by multiple case studies, publications and articles. Medical professionals are welcome to request a sample in order to test out the effects and share their findings with our company.
