At stage II, the skin blisters or forms an open sore, and the area around the sore may be red and irritated.
The difference from stage I is that the skin is no longer intact. Stage I is a red area that does not blanch under a finger, with the surface unbroken. Stage II is the surface broken: a blister or an open sore.
That makes it the stage at which to call. Contact your provider right away if you develop blisters, an open sore, or any signs of infection.
The outlook for stage II is relatively good, and worth hearing alongside that instruction. Stage I or II sores will often heal if cared for carefully, while stage III and IV sores are harder to treat and may take a long time to heal.
Care is specific for this stage. Clean the area with salt water, also called saline, and rinse to remove loose, dead tissue, or your provider may recommend a specific cleanser. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or iodine cleansers unless directed by your provider, as they can damage the skin. Keep the area covered with a dressing. This protects against infection and helps keep the sore moist so it can heal.
Which dressing is a question for the provider. Depending on the size and stage of the sore, you may use a film, gauze, gel, foam, or another type. Talk with your provider about which one.
Pressure relief doesn’t stop because the skin has opened. Keep repositioning about every 2 hours in bed and every 15 minutes in a wheelchair, and use pillows, foam cushions, booties or mattress pads chosen with a provider.