A stage I pressure ulcer presents as intact skin with NON-blanchable redness of a localized area usually over a bony prominence (i.e. the redness does not disappear or turn white when pressure is released or if left alone for a significant amount of time – the area stays permanently red).
Darkly pigmented skin may not have visible blanching but instead present as local coloration differing from the surrounding area. In addition, the area may be painful, firm, soft, warmer or cooler when compared to surrounding tissue. Stage I may be difficult to detect in individuals with dark skin tones.
Reference 1: Giles S M. PTExam: The Complete Study Guide. 2013. Chapter 7; Other systems. Pg 318.
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