Why Is My Wound Turning Yellow? Slough vs. Normal Healing
Why is my wound turning yellow?
The Quick Answer
**Yellow wound tissue typically indicates slough**—non-viable fibrinous debris requiring debridement—not normal healing. However, **clear-to-light-yellow fluid** (serous drainage) is normal during proliferation phase. Critical distinction: yellow *tissue* stuck to wound bed = pathological slough; yellow *fluid* under scab = physiological serous exudate supporting repair. Slough requires clinical debridement; serous drainage needs absorptive dressing management.
Why We Ask This
Patients panic seeing yellow discoloration, either aggressively scrubbing wounds (causing trauma) or dismissing true infection signs as 'normal healing'—both extremes delaying appropriate intervention during critical early healing windows when slough removal prevents chronic non-healing states.
The Practical Science
Slough forms when inflammatory phase extends beyond 7 days due to biofilm, ischemia, or infection—creating a protein-rich matrix blocking fibroblast migration. Serous drainage contains immunoglobulins and growth factors essential for proliferation. Differentiation requires tactile assessment: slough feels stringy/adherent; serous fluid is liquid that wets dressings.
In Clinical Practice
A leg ulcer with yellow stringy tissue adhering to wound bed requires sharp debridement to expose viable tissue—whereas a healing abrasion with light yellow fluid under scab edges needs only absorptive dressing changes. Misinterpreting slough as 'normal yellow healing' allows wounds to remain pathologically stalled for months.
References & Context
What Your Wound Color Means—and When to Call the Doctor"A yellow wound can indicate improper healing Slough tissue is an early sign of infection. Greenish-yellow tissue is a form of necrotic tissue—skin that has died and is beginning to break down. Necrotic tissue is a serious wound development, and suggests your wound is stuck in a prolonged inflammatory phase.Apr 18, 2019"