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How can you care for skin tears?
- If you have pain, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If you have a bandage, follow your doctor's instructions for changing it.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about bathing.
- Gently wash the skin tear with plain water 2 times a day. Do not rub the area.
- Let the area air dry. Or you can pat it carefully with a soft towel.
Skin tears: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the tear.
- Red streaks leading from the tear.
- Pus draining from the tear.
- A fever.
- The tear starts to bleed a lot. Small amounts of blood are normal.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.