A pressure ulcer (also known internationally as pressure injury) is localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear. There are currently six stages of pressure ulcers that sit under three categories of superficial, deep, or other.
On darker skin pressure ulcers often present at a later stage (Stage 2: as an open wound) due to an over reliance on non-blanching erythema in the early stage (Stage 1), therefore it is important to consider any skin changes such as blue or purple hues and consider other non-visual assessment techniques. Treatment of a pressure ulcer(s) must be tailored to the individual, as many factors can impact the development of a pressure ulcer, the stage of pressure ulcer is an important part of creating a treatment/management plan.