Pressure ulcers can be classified using a staging system,
which can be used to describe lesions and compare therapies.
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Findings
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Stage
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nonblanching erythema of intact skin
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I
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partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis,
dermis or both. The ulcer is superficial and may appear as an abrasion,
blister or shallow crater.
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II
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Full-thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis to
subcutaneous tissue, which may extend down to but not through underlying
fascia. The ulcer may appear as a deep crater with or without undermining of
adjacent tissue.
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III
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Full-thickness skin loss with extensive destruction,
tissue necrosis or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures such as
joint capsule
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IV
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