Do all stage 4 pressure areas look the same?
No, as you will see in the examples provided here, pressure areas can look quite different depending on the location and skin colour. However, all stage 4 pressure areas have the same characteristics.
In a stage 4 pressure area, there will be full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue death or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures (for example, tendon or joint capsule).
Review the photos below to see:
- extensive tissue distruction death of tissues
- possible undermining of sinus tracts.
These pictures show stage 4 pressure areas. It is important to note that these are serious pressure areas, and need significant management. They should be referred to a GP, district nurse or wound specialist.
Image courtesy R. Martin
Image courtesy L. Murray
Image courtesy R. Martin
Image courtesy R. Martin
Image courtesy R. Martin
Image courtesy R. Martin
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