New ISTAP Resource: Made Easy – The Prevention and Management of Skin Tears in Aged Skin
- ISTAP
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) is proud to announce the launch of a new resource: Made Easy: The Prevention and Management of Skin Tears in Aged Skin.
This concise and accessible guide offers a practical overview of the 2025 ISTAP Best Practice Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Skin Tears in Aged Skin (2nd edition).

Skin tears are painful, often preventable wounds that can significantly impact quality of life, particularly among older adults and individuals with compromised skin integrity. With a rising global aging population, consistent and evidence-based tools to support frontline clinicians have never been more essential.
The Made Easy document is designed to help healthcare professionals better understand the latest clinical guidance, with key takeaways on:
Updated definitions of skin tears
Skin tear risk factors and prevention strategies
Assessment and classification tools
Skin care recommendations for fragile and aged skin
Appropriate wound management practices
This resource was developed by a team of international experts and ISTAP leaders:
Professor Karen Ousey, PhD, MA, PGDE, RN – President, ISTAP
Dr. Emmy Nokaneng, BSc, BChD, PG Dip Odont, MChD – Secretary, ISTAP
Dr. Corey Heerschap, PhD, MScCH, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC – President, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
Debra Thayer, MS, RN, CWOCN
Download the Resource
The Made Easy is available in both print and web formats for your convenience:
Download Web Version (PDF):
Download Print Version (High-Resolution PDF):
Published on July 21, 2025, by Wounds International. Supported by Essity, Smith+Nephew, and Urgo Medical.
For more tools and evidence-based resources on skin tear prevention and care, visit our website at www.skintears.org or join ISTAP for free to access exclusive member content.