In an older frail patient at risk for skin tears, which age-related change best contributes to this risk?

In an older frail patient at risk for skin tears, which age-related change best contributes to this risk?

• A. Increase number of apocrine glands
• B. Malfunctioning eccrine glands
• C. Decrease in collagen
• D. Relocation of subcutaneous fat

Answer: (C)

As people age, the skin’s strength and resilience hinge largely on collagen in the dermis. Collagen provides tensile strength, helping the skin resist tearing. When collagen production declines and the existing fibers become disorganized, the dermis thins and loses elasticity. The result is skin that rests on a weaker foundation, so even minor trauma or friction can cause tears. That’s why a decrease in collagen best explains the increased risk of skin tears in frail older adults. The other changes don’t impact the skin’s tearing risk as directly. Glands like apocrine or eccrine affect sweating and odor regulation more than structural strength. Subcutaneous fat changes can alter padding, but without sufficient dermal collagen, the skin remains prone to tearing regardless of cushioning.

As people age, the skin’s strength and resilience hinge largely on collagen in the dermis. Collagen provides tensile strength, helping the skin resist tearing. When collagen production declines and the existing fibers become disorganized, the dermis thins and loses elasticity. The result is skin that rests on a weaker foundation, so even minor trauma or friction can cause tears. That’s why a decrease in collagen best explains the increased risk of skin tears in frail older adults.

The other changes don’t impact the skin’s tearing risk as directly. Glands like apocrine or eccrine affect sweating and odor regulation more than structural strength. Subcutaneous fat changes can alter padding, but without sufficient dermal collagen, the skin remains prone to tearing regardless of cushioning.