Pressure ulcers can be classified using a staging system, which can be used to describe lesions and compare therapies.
Findings
Stage
nonblanching erythema of intact skin
I
partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis, dermis or both. The ulcer is superficial and may appear as an abrasion, blister or shallow crater.
II
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.
III
Full-thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures such as joint capsule
IV
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