Is a Skin Tear a Stage 2

Pressure injuries can be classified using a staging system: Stage 1 – non-blanchable erythema. Stage 2 – partial thickness skin loss. Stage 3 – full thickness skin loss.

What type of wound is a skin tear?

Skin tears are wounds that may look like large cuts or scrapes. They’re considered acute wounds. This means they occur suddenly and typically heal in an expected fashion over time. However, for some people, skin tears can become complex, chronic wounds.

Is a skin tear considered a pressure ulcer?

The updated International Pressure Ulcer Classification System documents that skin tears should not be classified as pressure ulcers.