Which statement about skin tears is incorrect?

Skin tears are indeed commonly associated with areas over bony prominences, but the statement that they usually occur specifically over a bony area is misleading. Skin tears can occur anywhere on the body, especially in individuals with fragile skin, regardless of whether it is over a bony area or not. While they do frequently happen in locations where skin is thinner and more susceptible to injury, such as the arms and hands, particularly in elderly patients, it is not exclusive to bony areas.

In this context, the other statements accurately reflect important aspects of skin tears. Holding a person's arm or leg too tightly can compromise the skin, resulting in tears. These injuries can indeed be quite painful due to the nature of the skin's disruption and exposed nerve endings. Additionally, like any wound, skin tears have the potential to become infected if not properly cared for, as bacteria can enter through the break in the skin. Therefore, the correct interpretation of skin tear occurrence emphasizes their potential to arise from various locations on the body, not solely over bony areas.