What Stage of Healing Is Slough? Understanding Wound Healing Stages
What stage of healing is slough?
The Quick Answer
Slough indicates **prolonged inflammation**—a pathological extension beyond the normal inflammatory phase (days 1–4). Healthy wounds transition to proliferation by day 5; persistent slough signifies stalled healing where necrotic tissue prevents progression to granulation and epithelialization stages. Its presence defines a wound as 'non-healing' requiring intervention.
Why We Ask This
Patients assume all wounds naturally progress through healing stages, not realizing slough represents a biological 'stuck point' requiring external intervention to restart the cascade—leading to months of stagnation without professional care.
The Practical Science
The four healing stages are hemostasis (minutes), inflammation (days 1–4), proliferation (days 4–21), and remodeling (weeks to months). Slough forms when inflammation persists due to biofilm, ischemia, or excessive proteases degrading growth factors.
In Clinical Practice
A pressure injury with 40% slough coverage on day 10 remains pathologically 'stuck' in inflammation; after sharp debridement, it typically transitions to proliferation within 72 hours—visible as red granulation tissue replacing yellow debris.
References & Context
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