The incidence of pressure sores is sufficiently high to warrant concern among health care providers. Studies reveal that pressure sores are prevalent in our nation’s nursing homes. Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, usually occur over bony prominences and are graded or staged to classify the severity of the wound.
- Stage 1: A defined area of persistent redness in lightly pigmented skin, or may appear as persistent red, blue or purple hues in darker skinned individuals.
- Stage 2: The ulcer is superficial and presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.
- Stage 3: The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining of adjacent tissue.
- Stage 4: Extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures.
