Dianne Rudolph, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, CWOCN, UTHSCSA
Nonviable tissue in the wound bed can be divided into 2 broad categories: slough and eschar. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it is vital to distinguish between them as they may require different management methods. Dry, hard, leathery tissue in the wound bed is referred to as Eschar. Eschar is a type of necrotic tissue that is secondary to cell death following tissue injury (ie, pressure, trauma, impaired perfusion). Slough, in comparison, is usually seen as well hydrated, soft yellow or white tissue. This tissue may be loose and stringy or adherent and is the byproduct of the inflammatory phase of wound healing.