A skin tear is a traumatic wound resulting from separation of the epidermis (top layer) from the dermis (underlying layer). The aging process causes older adults to be at high risk for skin tears.
Ask the treatment expert: What dressing works best on dry wounds?
By
Susan Wickard
Aug 02, 2011
Susan Wickard, RN, BSN, CWCN, CWS, CLNC, Clinical Advisor, American Association for LTC Nursing
Ask the treatment expert: What effect does xerosis have on pruritus?
By
Susan Wickard
Sep 01, 2012
Xerosis, dry skin, can cause the skin to become scaly and crack, which increases the skin’s exposure to bacteria. Many factors contribute to dry skin.
Ask the treatment expert: What should I watch out for when treating darkly pigmented skin?
By
Susan Wickard
Jul 06, 2012
Caregivers must be taught how to closely examine darkly pigmented skin in order to determine tissue damage. A purplish/blue discoloration may be seen.
Ask the treatment expert … about friction and pressure ulcers
By
Susan Wickard
Apr 01, 2013
What role does friction play in pressure ulcers?
Ask the treatment expert: What’s the best way to manage incontinence-associated dermatitis?
By
Susan Wickard
Nov 01, 2011
Susan Wickard, RN, BSN, CWCN, CWS, CLNC, Clinical Advisor, American Association for LTC Nursing
Ask the treatment expert: What are the key points of caring for venous stasis wounds?
By
Susan Wickard
Feb 01, 2012
Risk factors that may contribute to development of venous stasis ulcers include history of leg swelling, varicose veins, history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged...
Ask the treatment expert: What are some of the documentation things nurses often miss?
By
Susan Wickard
Jan 01, 2013
A useful resource, “Wound Care Made Incredibly Visual,” offers an acronym that may be helpful in highlighting information that should be included when documenting about wounds: WOUNDD PICTURE
Ask the treatment expert: What is the best way to treat a yeast infection?
By
Susan Wickard
Dec 02, 2012
This is a question that often surfaces, so it may be useful to review the definition, causes, recognition and treatment of “yeast infections.”
Ask the treatment expert: What’s the best dressing for wet wounds?
By
Susan Wickard
Jul 01, 2011
Susan Wickard, RN, BSN, CWCN, CWS, CLNC, Clinical Advisor, American Association for LTC Nursing