Stages of a Pressure Ulcer

Early signs of a pressure sore may be pale skin or slightly reddened skin over a bony area.

The client may complain of pain, burning, or tingling.

Stage 1: The skin over a bony area is intact but pink or slightly reddened. 

• In the dark skin client, skin may appear ashen.
• The client may sense slight itching or mild tenderness.

Stage 2: The skin is red and swollen.

• There will either be a blister or an open area.

Stage 3: The area begins to look like a crater.

• The sore will extend deeper into the skin.

Stage 4: The sore extends deep into the fat, muscle, or bone.

• There may be a thick black scab, called eschar, which is actually dead skin.