What defines a full-thickness wound?

A full-thickness wound is characterized by its penetration through the entire epidermis and dermis, extending into the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This level of injury indicates a significant disruption of skin integrity, as not only are the outermost layers of the skin affected, but there is also involvement of deeper structures. The presence of such a wound often leads to the potential for considerable bleeding, pain, and risk of infection due to exposure of the deeper tissues.

In contrast, injuries limited to the epidermis or those that only involve the dermis would not be classified as full-thickness wounds, as they do not reach the subcutaneous layer. Additionally, a wound that does not bleed typically implies that it is superficial and does not extend deeply enough to involve blood vessels present in the dermal or subcutaneous layers, further distinguishing it from a full-thickness category. Therefore, the definition of a full-thickness wound is firmly centered on its depth, clearly indicating its extent into the subcutaneous tissue.