Stage 1:

The skin is intact but shows a persistent pink or red area that does not turn white when you press it with your finger. The wound may look like a mild sunburn. The affected skin may be tender, painful or itchy. It may feel warm, spongy or firm to the touch.

The wound is superficial and heals spontaneously when pressure is relieved.

A Stage 1 pressure ulcer is an early warning of a problem and a signal to take preventive action.

Stage 2:

The skin starts to breakdown and there is partial thickness skin loss. The wound looks like an abrasion, a blister (broken or unbroken) or a shallow crater.

The skin outer layer is broken, red and painful.

Surrounding tissues may show areas of pale, red or purple discoloration. Some swelling and/or oozing may be present.

The wound is no longer superficial and the ulcer is an open sore that does not extend through the full thickness of the skin.

A Stage 2 pressure ulcer can usually be treated successfully. With quick attention, the wound can heal rapidly.

Stage 3:

The skin has broken down and the wound now extends through all layers of the skin. The ulcer has become a crater involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissues.

The pressure ulcer has become deeper and very difficult to heal. At this stage, a large percentage of patients may require treatment of up to one year. The wound is now a primary site for a serious infection to occur.

A Stage 3 wound will progress very rapidly if left unattended. Medical care is necessary to promote healing and to treat and prevent infection.

Stage 4:

There is full-thickness skin loss with extension beyond the deep fascia and involvement of muscle, underlying organs, bone, and tendon or joint space.

This deep open wound may show blackened tissue called eschar.

The decubitus ulcer is now extremely deep, having gone through the muscle layers and now involving underlying organs and bone. Surgical removal of the necrotic or decayed tissue is often used on wounds of larger diameter. Surgery is the normal course of treatment.

The wound is very serious and can produce a life threatening infection, especially if not treated aggressively.

A Stage 4 wound is extremely difficult to heal and requires skilled medical wound care.