In what stage of pressure ulcers is there a reddened area on the skin?

In the context of pressure ulcers, the identification of a reddened area on the skin corresponds to Stage 1 of the classification system. At this stage, the skin may be intact but is characterized by a localized area of non-blanchable erythema. This means that when pressure is applied, the redness does not fade, indicating that the skin is under stress and may be in the early stages of damage.

Stage 1 pressure ulcers require prompt intervention to prevent deterioration into more severe stages, which involve deeper tissue damage. Recognizing the signs at this early point is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. More advanced stages of pressure ulcers include skin loss or tissue damage that extends beyond the epidermis and into the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, making Stage 1 distinct from those classifications.