Which stage of pressure ulcers is characterized by full-thickness skin loss?

Full-thickness skin loss is a defining characteristic of Stage III pressure ulcers. In this stage, the damage extends through the skin and into the underlying tissue, potentially affecting subcutaneous fat but not involving the underlying muscle, bone, or supporting structures. This is critical in understanding the severity of the ulcer, as it indicates a significant loss of tissue integrity.

In contrast, earlier stages, such as Stage I and Stage II, involve only partial thickness loss, where the skin may be intact or only superficially compromised. Stage IV pressure ulcers, on the other hand, represent an even more severe condition, where full-thickness loss includes underlying structures such as muscle, tendon, or bone. Therefore, identifying Stage III as the stage where there is full-thickness skin loss highlights an important classification used in clinical practice to gauge the severity and required intervention for patients at risk of skin integrity issues.