nonblanchable

Nonblanchable is a medical term used to describe a skin finding that does not lose color (does not blanch) when pressed. It is most commonly applied to nonblanchable erythema of intact skin, which can be an early sign of pressure injury (pressure ulcer). In this context, persistent redness indicates underlying perfusion or capillary damage and may precede tissue breakdown if pressure is not relieved. The concept is particularly important in wound assessment and skin integrity monitoring.

Clinically, nonblanchable erythema signals higher risk for injury, especially in individuals with limited mobility or compromised sensation. In lighter skin tones, it may appear as a clearly lasting red patch; in darker skin tones, blanching may be less visible, and clinicians look for accompanying signs such as warmth, edema, hardness, or changes in texture or color.

Assessment technique involves applying gentle pressure for about 1–2 seconds with a fingertip or digital tool and observing whether the area returns to baseline color. Comparing with surrounding skin helps determine blanching status. It is important to distinguish nonblanchable erythema from areas where skin is broken, as the latter indicates a different stage of injury.

Management focuses on eliminating or reducing pressure on the area, protecting the skin, maintaining moisture balance, and ongoing monitoring for progression to a deeper wound. While the term is most commonly linked to pressure injuries, nonblanchable may also appear in discussions of other nonblanching skin findings, though its primary clinical use is in skin integrity assessment.