To lighten, or remove color. For those with lighter skin, if redness is present, a blanching test may be helpful to determine whether a pressure injury is present.
A tough, but slightly flexible, connective tissue that can be found lining joints and forming the ears, nose, and other parts of the body. Cartilage may appear a translucent grey.
The inner layer of the two layers of skin. This layer contains blood vessels, nerve endings, various glands, and hair follicles.
The outer layer of the two main layers of skin. This layer acts as a protective barrier from the outer world.
Dead tissue that has built up over or within the wound. Eschar can appear as tan, brown, or black and may resemble a scab.
Dead tissue that has built up over or within the wound. Eschar can appear as tan, brown, or black and may resemble a scab.
When a pressure injury progresses far enough to create a tunnel between the skin and an organ.
A force which is produced from skin rubbing against an object or surface that can lead to pressure injury development.
When patches of skin appear darker than the surrounding skin. Those with medium to dark skin may experience hyperpigmentation when they have a Stage 1 pressure injury.
When patches of skin appear lighter than the surrounding skin. Those with medium to dark skin may experience hypopigmentation when they have a Stage 1 pressure injury, around wound borders, or when a wound is healing.
A fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone. Ligaments typically appear a light yellow or tan.
To remove pressure. It is crucial to either remove or redistribute pressure on high risk areas to prevent Offloading pressure from areas with existing injuries is essential for promoting healing and recovery.
A continuous force applied to skin by an object or surface that can lead to pressure injury development.
Also known as “bedsores,” “pressure ulcers,” and "pressure wounds," are injuries to the skin and the tissues beneath. They develop over bony areas when someone stays in one position for too long.
A large triangular bone that is part of the pelvis, which is located in the lower back. It is also commonly known as the "tailbone."
A life-threatening reaction the body can have to an infection. It may cause symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, tissue death, and organ failure.
A type of force that pulls the skin and underlying tissues in two different directions at once. This type of force generally occurs on surfaces that are placed on an angle, and can lead to pressure injuries.
Discharge caused by dead tissue and bacteria that overlays the wound. Slough is moist and can appear yellow, green, grey, or white.
A fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons are shiny and appear as a bright white color.
When the wound progresses outwards from the visible wound border, meaning the wound is larger than it appears from the surface.