What is the primary difference between a stage II and stage III pressure ulcer?

The primary distinction between a stage II and stage III pressure ulcer is indeed centered around the depth of tissue damage. In stage II pressure ulcers, there is partial thickness loss of the dermis, which means that the ulcer involves only the upper layers of skin, typically manifesting as a shallow open sore or blister. This indicates that the skin's epidermis and part of the dermis are compromised but deeper tissues remain intact.

On the other hand, stage III pressure ulcers represent full thickness loss of tissue, meaning that the ulcer has extended deeper into the skin, reaching the subcutaneous tissue. This full thickness loss indicates that the ulcer involves all layers of the skin and may also show underlying tissue damage. Therefore, understanding this depth difference is crucial for proper assessment and management of pressure ulcers. Recognizing that stage II ulcers are mostly superficial while stage III ulcers are significantly more severe aids healthcare providers in determining appropriate treatments and interventions.