What is a common sign of a Stage 1 pressure ulcer?

A Stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin that appears red and does not blanch when pressed. This redness indicates that there is increased blood flow to the area as a response to pressure, showing that the skin is under stress but has not yet broken down. The primary concern at this stage is to relieve pressure to prevent progression to more severe stages of ulceration.

Blisters, open wounds, and pain in the area can all indicate more advanced stages of skin breakdown. Blisters (often seen in Stage 2 ulcers) and open wounds (which are characteristics of Stage 3 and Stage 4 ulcers) signify that the integrity of the skin has been compromised. While pain may be present, it is not exclusive to Stage 1 and can occur with any pressure ulcer. Thus, the defining feature of Stage 1 is the presence of intact skin with non-blanchable redness, making this understanding crucial for early intervention and effective prevention of further complications.