This article reviews the literature on skin tear (ST) management and presents the results of an audit of silicone dressings in nursing homes. Fifty nursing homes were contacted and asked whether they would like ST training, backed up with a ST audit of their residents. Forty-two teaching sessions took place. The ST training covered the physiology of the skin, ST prevention, risk factors, STAR classification and first aid management. Four silicone dressings were used: Allevyn Gentle Border, Mepilex Border, Advazorb Border and Kliniderm Border. Dressing changes were performed and monitored by the tissue viability nurse consultant on days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Dressing performance in relation to the peri-wound skin, maceration, dermatitis, inflammation, irritation and dryness was evaluated. The amount of exudate was recorded by weighing the dressing after removal. Ease of dressing removal was noted. The analysis found similar age, body mass index, Waterlow scores and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scores. The differences in sizes of the STs was not significantly different and they healed within consistent time frames. Healing time increased with ST size and STAR classification. The Advazorb Border dressing was significantly better at staying in place and was removed more easily than the other dressings.