Understanding Wound Tissue Types: Granulation, Slough, and Eschar

The Critical Need for Precise Tissue Differentiation

In clinical wound management, healing cannot be objectively quantified without knowing exactly what is happening at the wound bed. Traditional visual estimation carries an inter-observer variability of up to 40%, leading to discrepancies in care plans and delayed interventions.

Understanding Primary Wound Tissue Types

• Viable Granulation Tissue (Red): Healthy, highly vascularised connective tissue that fills the wound cavity during the proliferative phase. Its deep pink to beefy-red appearance signifies active angiogenesis and collagen deposition.
• Devitalised Fibrinous Slough (Yellow/Tan): Non-viable tissue consisting of neutrophils, dead cellular debris, and denatured proteinaceous exudate. Slough must be removed or managed to prevent biofilm consolidation and chronic inflammation.
• Necrotic Eschar (Black/Brown): Dehydrated, non-viable thick tissue that forms over unstageable pressure injuries or severe arterial wounds. Stable dry eschar on heels may serve as a protective barrier, whereas softened eschar requires prompt debridement.

Objective Documentation & Clinician Verification

Standardised photo measurement and structured documentation allow clinical teams to monitor percentage changes in tissue composition over sequential assessments. Reviewing these trends in an editable clinical report ensures treatment plans remain tailored and accurate across every patient encounter.