How Long Does Slough Take to Clear? Realistic Timelines for Wound Debridement
How long does it take slough to clear?
The Quick Answer
With appropriate debridement, slough typically clears within **7–14 days**. Enzymatic agents like collagenase require consistent application for approximately 2 weeks to dissolve necrotic tissue. Autolytic methods using hydrogels may take 10–21 days. Healing timelines depend on wound size, vascular supply, comorbidities like diabetes, and adherence to dressing protocols.
Why We Ask This
Patients become discouraged when slough persists beyond a week, mistakenly believing treatment is failing—when in reality, necrotic tissue removal follows predictable biological timelines requiring patience and consistent care.
The Practical Science
Collagenase breaks down denatured collagen in slough at a rate of 1–2mm depth per week under optimal moisture conditions. Factors like poor perfusion or biofilm presence can double this timeline by inhibiting enzyme penetration and macrophage activity.
In Clinical Practice
A diabetic foot ulcer with 30% slough coverage might show 50% reduction after 10 days of daily collagenase application with occlusive dressings, with complete clearance by day 16—provided offloading and glycemic control are simultaneously optimized.
References & Context
Ten top tips: common wound errors and means to correct"If a wound has eschar or slough present, collagenase will take approximately 2 weeks to destroy that tissue, assuming it is applied correctly and consistently.Sep 28, 2023"