Slough is a type of nonviable tissue that occurs as a byproduct of the inflammatory process in a wound. It is usually seen as well-hydrated, soft yellow or white tissue that may be loose and stringy or adherent. Slough consists of dead cells that accumulate in the wound exudate. The presence of slough in a wound bed can prolong the inflammatory phase of healing, attract bacteria to the wound bed, increase odor and exudate, and prevent the wound from continuing through the normal wound healing process. Therefore, it is essential to remove slough from a wound bed to promote healing.

To treat slough in a wound, the wound should be desloughed to avoid infection, remove devitalized tissue, and promote autolysis. The wound should be rehydrated and exudate controlled to prepare the wound bed for healing. If the wound has dry adherent slough on the wound bed, a dressing that will donate moisture should be selected. If the wound is sloughy and exudating, then a dressing that is absorbent enough to minimize the risk of peri-wound maceration should be selected. It is important to differentiate between wet necrotic tissue and dry necrotic tissue to formulate the best, evidence-based wound care treatment plan.

In summary, slough is a type of nonviable tissue that occurs in a wound as a byproduct of the inflammatory process. It can prolong the inflammatory phase of healing, attract bacteria to the wound bed, increase odor and exudate, and prevent the wound from continuing through the normal wound healing process. Therefore, it is essential to remove slough from a wound bed to promote healing.