Pressure Ulcer: Classification

Stages of pressure ulcer

Stage Description
Grade 1 Redness that cannot be pushed away; skin intact; discoloration, hyperthermia, edema (water retention/swelling), induration possible (ICD-10 L89.0)
Grade 2 Damage to the epidermis (upper skin) and/or dermis (leathery skin); superficial ulcer (sore) presenting as a blister or skin abrasion (ICD-10 L89.1)
Grade 3 All skin layers affected; possibly extending to the fascia (rough enveloping layer of connective tissue) (ICD-10 L89.2)
Grade 4 Involvement of musculature; may extend to tendons/bones (ICD-10 L89.3)