Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, often start small and may even be unnoticeable for a time. However, small sores can quickly develop into larger wounds and eventually result in serious health consequences including sepsis and death.
If someone you love has developed pressure ulcers while in a nursing home, please call Cullan & Cullan at (602) 786-8860 today for a free case evaluation.
Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers are typically diagnosed in one of four stages:
- Stage 1 – during this stage the skin may appear red and be warm to the touch. At stage 1 there is not yet an open sore, but the skin may feel different than surrounding areas and even be painful to the touch
- Stage 2 – during this stage the ulcer begins to form. Surface skin may break open or wear away, allowing the sore to expand to deeper layers as well. Stage 2 may look like a scrape, shallow indentation, or blister
- Stage 3 – during this stage the ulcer will begin to extend to tissue well below the surface of the skin. It is not uncommon for fat to begin to show in crater-like sores during stage 3
- Stage 4 – during this stage the sore has reached deep tissue, muscle, bone, tendons, and joints. Once a pressure ulcer has reached stage 4, serious health complications may be unavoidable
If you have noticed pressure ulcers in any stage while visiting a loved one in a nursing home, please contact Cullan & Cullan today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Arizona nursing home neglect attorneys.