Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Consumer Information
Skin Care & Pressure Sores
[Back to "Stages of Pressure Sores"]
Stage 3 Pressure Sore
The wound extends through the dermis (second layer of skin) into the subcutaneous (below the skin) fat tissue. Bone, tendon and muscle are not visible. Look for signs of infection (pus, drainage) and possible necrosis (black, dead tissue).
Photo source: The Merck Manual of Geriatrics, 3rd Edition, edited by Mark H. Beers, and Robert Berkow. Copyright 2000 by Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/home.jsp. Accessed 7/21/09. Image provided by Oscar Alvarez, MD. Used with permission.