What is a stage 4 bed sore?

Loss all layer skin: Stages describe the depth of the sore at the time of examination. Stage i - skin is intact which if untreated will become and open sore stage ii - abrasion, blister or ulcer going partially through skin stage iii - crater through all layers of skin into fatty layer stage IV - through all layers of skin and fatty layer into muscle, bone, tendon or joint space.

See below: Skin ulcers are often staged based on depth (stage 4 = deepest)... Stage 1: reddened skin that does not blanch (doesn't turn white when pressed). Stage 2: superficial erosion of the skin -- often appears as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater. Stage 3: full thickness skin loss to the level of fat. Stage 4: full thickness skin loss + involvement of underlying structures (e.g. Muscle, bone, etc).

Pressure Ulcer: I refer you to www.Npuap.Org for the most accurate descriptions of ulcerations. A stage IV ulcer means that at the bottom of the skin opening, you can see bone, muscle and/or tendon.