What characterizes a stage 3 pressure injury?

A stage 3 pressure injury is characterized by full thickness loss of skin, indicating that the damage extends beyond the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous tissue. This loss typically presents as a deep crater that may extend down towards but not through the underlying fascia. The surrounding tissue may also show signs of damage or infection, but what differentiates a stage 3 injury is the depth of tissue loss, which is significant and involves the full thickness of the skin layer. This is crucial for identifying the severity of the injury and determining appropriate treatment measures.