Wound Care Advice for Fragile Skin

Fragile skin is a term used to describe skin that may be more delicate or sensitive and can affect people among all age groups occurring in various forms. While the cause might be different, the need for extra soft and gentle skin care routine which does not damage or irritate the skin is the same for everyone affected.

Young children and the elderly are especially concerned by fragile skin, as their skin is more delicate and vulnerable to external influences. As the skin is developing over time, the skin of babies and children is thinner and more delicate than adult skin. It is more sensitive to external influences and needs extra special, sensitive care. Also, with the aging process, skin is starting to change in terms of texture and appearance. Signs such as redness, dryness, a rough texture as well as a feeling of tightness can occur. Again, the sensitivity to external factors is increasing. But it is not only the very young or elderly that are affected by fragile skin, in a study [MM1.1]of plaster users, about 47 per cent also identified their skin to be (very) fragile or sensitive.¹

01 Mindline, Usage & Attitudes - Regular Wound Plasters, December 2021, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, Australia.

Fragile skin develops when the skin's outer barrier weakens, making it thinner, less elastic, and more prone to tears, bruising, and irritation. Several factors can contribute to this, often overlapping with age or underlying health conditions.

Ageing

As skin ages, it naturally loses collagen and elastin, becoming thinner and less resilient. This makes it more susceptible to tears and bruising from everyday knocks.

Eczema and Dermatitis

Skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis can affect the skin's protective barrier and may cause dryness, inflammation and irritation. This can make affected skin more vulnerable to irritation or damage.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can affect circulation and nerve function, which may impair the skin’s ability to repair itself. As a result, wounds can develop more easily and take longer to heal.

Prolonged Corticosteroid

Use Long-term steroid use, whether topical or oral, thins the skin by reducing collagen production. This leaves skin more fragile and prone to bruising or splitting.

Dehydration

When skin lacks adequate moisture, it loses elasticity and becomes more brittle. Dehydrated skin is more likely to crack, tear, or become irritated.

Environmental Factors

Sun exposure, dry weather, and pollution can place stress on the skin and affect its moisture barrier. Over time, this cumulative damage leaves skin thinner and more vulnerable.

When treating wounds on fragile skin, taking care during dressing changes can help minimise further irritation or damage to the surrounding skin. Removing adhesives too quickly or forcefully may strip away delicate surface layers of skin, causing pain and discomfort. Keep these steps in mind:

• Clean gently: Gently clean the wound with lukewarm water or a saline solution. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area.
• Pat, don't rub, to dry: Gently pat the surrounding skin dry with a soft cloth to avoid friction.
• Choose a low-adhesion dressing: Opt for a plaster or dressing designed for sensitive skin that can be removed gently.
• Apply without stretching the skin: Lay the dressing on gently rather than pulling it taut, which can strain fragile skin.
• Remove slowly and at a low angle: When it's time to change the dressing, peel it back slowly, holding the skin taut nearby to reduce pulling.
• Moisturise between changes: Keep the surrounding skin moisturised to help maintain the skin barrier and reduce dryness and the risk of further skin damage.

Our Ultra Sensitive range is made with a silicone adhesive and extra soft non-woven backing material. The plaster is soft and extra gentle on sensitive skin. The plaster securely sticks to the skin, even after being repositioned.

A clinical study done with 30 volunteers showed that Elastoplast Ultra Sensitive plasters, compared to traditional wound plasters, offer a gentle and skin-friendly removal, causing less disruption to the skin and less irritation. It can also be removed comfortably and 100% of the participants agreed that the plaster can be removed painfree.²

02 Kuhlmann M. et al. Adhesive properties of a first aid dressing with silicone adhesive in comparison to an acrylate-based adhesive, n=30. EWMA Amsterdam, NL. 2017[

Good daily habits can go a long way in keeping fragile skin stronger and less prone to injury. A few simple changes to your routine can make a real difference over time.

• Moisturise regularly: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser daily to help maintain the skin's barrier and elasticity.
• Avoid harsh soaps: Choose mild, soap-free cleansers that gently cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Protect skin from knocks and scratches: Be mindful of furniture edges and sharp objects, and consider protective sleeves or guards for particularly vulnerable areas.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and helps support your skin from within.
• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and trousers can act as a barrier against everyday bumps and scrapes.
• Maintain good nutrition: Maintain good nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins and protein supports collagen production and skin repair.

While most minor wounds can be managed at home, some situations call for professional care. See a doctor if:

• The wound is deep, wide, or has jagged edges • There are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
• The wound isn't healing or is healing unusually slowly
• Bleeding continues or won't stop with gentle pressure
• Wounds are occurring frequently without an obvious cause

If you have diabetes or a chronic skin condition, wounds may require additional care. Monitor the wound closely and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about healing or if the wound is not improving.