What it is
A pressure ulcer, also called a pressure injury or bed sore, is damage to skin and the tissue under it. It usually develops over bony areas such as the tailbone, hips, heels or shoulder blades. Pressure, friction, shearing and moisture can all play a part, especially when someone has limited ability to shift position.
In the commonly used staging system, a stage 3 pressure ulcer is a full-thickness skin loss. The wound is typically a visible crater that extends into the fatty tissue. Muscle, tendon and bone are generally not exposed at this stage. Deeper wounds that expose those structures are classified differently and are more serious.
Staging is done by a trained clinician after examining the wound. Some wounds are hard to stage because of dead tissue covering the base. Appearance can also change over time, so the cause, depth and surrounding skin all matter in an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Stage 3 pressure ulcers have traditionally been managed by a healthcare team. Common elements of care include relieving pressure on the area, cleaning the wound, and removing non-viable tissue, a process called debridement. Dressings are selected to suit the wound, and a clinician makes that choice.
Support surfaces such as specialized mattresses and cushions, along with repositioning routines, have long been used to reduce pressure. Nutrition, hydration, moisture control and management of other health conditions are also usually considered part of the whole picture.
Some wounds are also approached with advanced options, such as negative pressure wound therapy, which is well established. Skin substitutes and amniotic or placental products vary in FDA status. Most are regulated as minimally manipulated tissue rather than FDA-approved drugs, and coverage differs by product and payer. Only a licensed clinician can decide whether any option is appropriate after an evaluation. For further reading on amniotic products specifically, amnioticdoctors.com is an independent resource and is not affiliated with WoundKare.
How the right wound care specialist may help
The right wound care specialist may help by looking at the whole situation, not only the wound. A visit often includes a review of health history, medications, mobility, nutrition and daily routines. The specialist will also examine the wound itself and may measure it, assess the surrounding skin and look for signs of infection.
Specialists may be able to explain what is likely contributing to the wound, how it has been staged, and what the options are. They may also coordinate with caregivers, nurses, nutrition professionals and equipment suppliers. Results vary from person to person, and no outcome can be promised.
It can help to bring questions to a visit. Consider asking a licensed provider about the wound's cause and staging, the treatment options available, the expected healing time, what signs should prompt a call, and what insurance may cover. Asking who to contact between visits is also useful.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Living with a slow-healing wound can mean pain, disrupted sleep, limited movement and worry, and those strains can in turn affect appetite, energy and recovery. Caregivers often feel the weight of this too.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them feel more at ease with their bodies during a long healing journey. Others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to work through frustration, fear or isolation. These are complements to medical care, not replacements for it, and every approach has its place.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide the care of any pressure ulcer, and this page cannot tell you what to do for a specific wound.
- Seek medical care promptly for spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or a wound that is rapidly getting worse.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis such as confusion or a rapid heartbeat with fever, or a deep or severely contaminated wound.
- If you are overwhelmed or in emotional distress, call or text the 988 Lifeline at any time.
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 3 pressure ulcer treatment?
Stage 3 pressure ulcer treatment is the care a licensed clinician plans for a deep pressure wound that extends into the fatty tissue. It commonly involves relieving pressure, wound cleaning, dressings and attention to overall health. The exact approach depends on an individual evaluation.
What does a stage 3 pressure ulcer look like?
A stage 3 pressure ulcer typically looks like a deep crater or open wound that shows fatty tissue. Dead tissue may cover part of the base, and the edges can look rolled or uneven. Because appearance varies, a trained clinician should stage the wound.
Can a stage 3 pressure ulcer heal?
Many pressure ulcers can heal with appropriate professional care, but healing depends on factors such as the cause, overall health, nutrition and how well pressure is relieved. Healing time varies widely. Ask a licensed provider what to expect for your specific wound.
When should I see a wound care specialist for a pressure ulcer?
Any open pressure wound is worth having a clinician evaluate, and a stage 3 wound should be assessed promptly. Seek care right away for signs of infection such as spreading redness, pus, foul odor, fever or chills. Call 911 for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, or signs of sepsis.
What is the difference between stage 2 and stage 3 pressure ulcers?
A stage 2 pressure ulcer involves partial loss of skin thickness, such as a shallow open sore or blister. A stage 3 pressure ulcer is full-thickness, reaching into the fat layer. A clinician determines the stage after examining the wound.
Are skin substitutes or amniotic grafts used for stage 3 pressure ulcers?
Some clinicians consider them for certain wounds, but they are not right for everyone. Most are regulated as minimally manipulated tissue rather than FDA-approved drugs, and coverage differs by product and payer. Ask a licensed provider whether any option is appropriate and what your insurance covers.
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.