staging of pressure injuries

Pressure injuries, or bedsores, are categorized into stages based on their severity. Stage 1 involves skin redness that doesn’t fade when pressed. Stage 2 affects the outer skin layer, causing shallow open wounds or blisters. Stage 3 involves deeper tissue damage, creating a crater-like sore that may extend into fat tissue. Stage 4 is the most severe, with full-thickness tissue loss exposing muscle, bone, or tendons. Recognizing the stage helps guide appropriate treatment to prevent worsening and promote healing.