What it is
A pressure ulcer, also called a pressure injury or bed sore, is damage to the skin and sometimes the tissue beneath it, usually caused by sustained pressure, friction or shear. It commonly appears over bony areas such as the tailbone, hips, heels and elbows, especially in people who have limited mobility.
Stage 2 generally describes partial-thickness skin loss. The wound is often a shallow open area with a pink or red wound bed, or it may look like an intact or open blister. Deeper tissue such as fat, muscle or bone is not typically visible at this stage, which is one way clinicians distinguish it from later stages.
Because wounds can look different from person to person and can change quickly, staging is a clinical judgment. Skin tone, moisture, and the underlying cause can all affect how a wound appears, so a licensed provider's evaluation matters more than comparing photos online.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, care for pressure injuries has centered on addressing the cause: relieving or redistributing pressure on the affected area. This has often involved repositioning schedules, specialized mattresses or cushions, and heel-protecting devices, as determined by a clinician for each situation.
Wound care itself has commonly included gently cleansing the area, protecting the surrounding skin, and choosing a dressing meant to keep the wound environment appropriately moist and covered. Many types of dressings exist, and which one a clinician selects depends on the wound's appearance, drainage and location.
Clinicians have also traditionally looked at the bigger picture, including nutrition, hydration, moisture from incontinence, circulation, and other health conditions that can affect healing. Wounds are typically monitored over time so the approach can be adjusted if things change.
How the right wound care specialist may help
A wound care specialist may help by evaluating the wound, confirming its stage, and looking for the factors that contributed to it. A visit generally includes a history of your health and mobility, a look at the wound and surrounding skin, and a conversation about daily routines, support surfaces and caregiving needs.
The specialist may then discuss options that fit the situation, which could include dressing choices, ways to relieve pressure, and coordination with other members of the care team such as nurses, dietitians or physical therapists. Any decisions about products or treatments are made by a licensed clinician after an evaluation, and results can vary from person to person.
Helpful questions to ask a licensed provider include: What caused this wound and is it truly stage 2? What are my treatment options? How will we track progress? What is the expected healing time? What changes should prompt me to call you? And what does my insurance cover, including dressings and support surfaces?
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and that applies to healing. Long-term illness, reduced mobility, pain, disrupted sleep and the strain of caregiving can all take a toll on emotional well-being, and stress can in turn make it harder to keep up with the routines that support skin health.
Some people find that body-based approaches such as those explored through Somatic Experiences help them feel more connected to and at ease in their bodies. Others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to work through the worry, frustration or isolation that can come with a long recovery. These are complementary sources of support, not substitutes for wound care from a licensed provider.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly for any sign of infection, such as spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or if the wound is rapidly worsening.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for emergencies such as heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis, or a deep or severely contaminated wound.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for pressure injuries, especially in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or limited sensation. This page is educational and cannot tell you what to do for a specific wound.
- If you or someone you care for is in emotional crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is stage 2 pressure ulcer treatment?
Stage 2 pressure ulcer treatment refers to the care a clinician provides for a shallow, partial-thickness pressure wound. It commonly involves relieving pressure on the area, cleansing the wound, and using an appropriate dressing, though the specific approach is decided by a licensed provider after an evaluation.
What does a stage 2 pressure ulcer look like?
A stage 2 pressure ulcer usually looks like a shallow open area with a pink or red base, or like a blister that may be intact or open. Fat, muscle and bone are generally not visible at this stage. Because appearance varies and can change, a licensed provider should confirm the stage.
Can a stage 2 pressure ulcer heal?
Many stage 2 pressure injuries can heal when the cause is addressed and the wound is properly cared for, but this is not guaranteed. Healing time depends on factors like overall health, nutrition, pressure relief and wound location, so ask your provider for an expected timeline for your situation.
When should I see a wound care specialist for a pressure sore?
It is reasonable to see a wound care specialist when you first notice a pressure sore, or if it isn't improving, is getting larger, or becomes more painful. Seek care promptly for signs of infection such as spreading redness, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, and call 911 or go to the ER for emergencies.
What dressings are used for stage 2 pressure ulcers?
Clinicians may choose from several dressing types intended to protect the wound and maintain an appropriate moisture balance. Which one is suitable depends on the wound's drainage, location and condition, so it's best to ask a licensed provider rather than choosing on your own.
Does insurance cover stage 2 pressure ulcer treatment?
Coverage varies by plan, payer and the specific product or service involved. Ask your provider's office and your insurer what is covered, including visits, dressings and pressure-relieving support surfaces, before assuming costs.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.