Persistent maroon, purple, or dark discoloration—or a blood-filled blister—over a pressure point can signal a deep tissue pressure injury, but bruising, vascular problems, and other skin conditions can look similar. Remove pressure immediately and arrange prompt assessment. Rapid spread, severe pain, cold skin, fever, or confusion needs urgent evaluation.
A deep tissue pressure injury may be intact or open and often feels painful, firm, boggy, warmer, or cooler than nearby skin. On darker skin, color change may be subtle, so temperature, texture, swelling, and tenderness are especially important.
Stop pressure on the area, reposition safely, and use a pressure-redistributing surface. Do not massage, rub, heat, ice, or puncture a blister. Marking the edge and taking a dated photograph can help clinicians track change, but a photo cannot determine depth.
Damage below the skin can become visible over days even after pressure is relieved. The area may open and reveal deeper tissue, or it may resolve without tissue loss. Frequent reassessment is important because the final depth cannot always be known at first.
Seek same-day care if the area spreads, blisters, opens, drains, becomes very painful, or is accompanied by redness or fever. Call 911 for a suddenly cold, numb, blue limb, severe pain out of proportion, new confusion, or severe systemic illness.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.