Soft Silicone Tape: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Skin Tears

Clinical Problem: Common among both elderly and neonates, skin tears are underappreciated, having prevalence rates equal to pressure ulcers/injuries. Ideal topical management includes a product that would provide for moist wound healing, manage exudate, protect the wound bed while simultaneously protecting fragile skin flap edges and the periwound from additional trauma in the context of a painless dressing change.¹ While silicone mesh primary dressings are reported as being the closest to “ideal”, they require a secondary dressing. Use of soft silicone tape in the management of skin tears, a recent advancement not available at the time of best practice guideline development, has not been reported.

Objective: To report outcomes associated with soft silicone tape as an option for the management of skin tears. 

Treatment Approach: Soft silicone tape* was applied to skin tears sustained by adults with Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 categories after wound bed preparation was performed per ISTAP guidelines¹ in adult patients. Ease of application and removal as well as removal pain and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Outcome: Soft silicone tape appeared equal to soft silicone mesh in the management of skin tears in adults but with the added benefit of reduced cost, no requirement for secondary dressing use, comparable clinical outcomes and improved ease of application.

Conclusion: Use of soft silicone tape is a viable option for the management of skin tears. Further study is warranted.

 

*Siltape®, Advancis Medical, Nottinghamshire, UK