Slough is non-viable tissue in the wound bed. “Fibrinous slough” describes slough that looks stringy or fibrin-like. Despite the name, slough is not made of fibrin alone. It is a mixture of devitalised tissue, wound fluid (exudate), proteins, cellular debris, and inflammatory material. It may also contain microorganisms.

Slough is usually cream, white, yellow, grey, or tan. It can be soft, moist, slimy, or stringy, and it may be loose or firmly attached. Its appearance varies between wounds and between areas of the same wound. Some wounds have only small patches, while others have slough covering much of the wound bed, often alongside viable tissue such as granulation tissue.

Slough occurs in both acute and chronic wounds, including dehisced surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.

Slough is not the same as biofilm. Biofilm is an organised community of microorganisms embedded in a protective matrix. It may be associated with slough, but not all slough contains biofilm, and visible slough does not confirm that biofilm is present.

Slough is an important finding in wound assessment. It can affect how the wound bed is evaluated and may be associated with delayed healing. Management depends on the wound and the individual patient.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about any health concern.