What is the defining feature of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer?

The defining feature of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer is partial thickness skin loss involving the epidermis, dermis, or both. This stage indicates that the skin is not completely intact but has lost some of its layers. In Stage 2, the wound may present as a shallow open sore that is pink or red and may also appear as a blister, which can be either intact or ruptured. The focus on partial thickness is crucial because it differentiates Stage 2 from both Stage 1, where there is intact skin with some discoloration, and Stage 3 and Stage 4, which involve more severe, full-thickness tissue loss that may expose underlying tissues such as fat and muscle. Understanding this distinction helps in the proper assessment and management of pressure ulcers.