Wound Layers - From Center Outward

Wound Layers: From Center Outward

Document Created: Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:36 AM CDT
Wound Size:
• Actual measured diameter: 1 inch (approximately 2.5 cm)
• Estimated measurement from photo: ~0.9 – 1.1 inches
📸 Reference Image: Wound on the heel showing clear layered structure.
(Insert photo here when printing or sharing)
1 Central Wound Bed (Deepest Layer)

Appearance: Yellowish-brown oval area in the center.

What it is: Slough (moist dead tissue) or early eschar.

Teaching Point: This is non-viable tissue that must be removed (debrided) before the wound can heal properly.

Goal: Gentle debridement (autolytic or enzymatic) + keep moist.
2 Inner Pink/Red Ring – Granulation Tissue

Appearance: Bright pink to beefy red, moist, shiny halo around the center.

What it is: New healthy tissue with tiny blood vessels growing in (proliferative phase).

Teaching Point: This is a great sign of healing! Protect it — do not use harsh dressings.

Goal: Maintain moist environment. Pink = Protect!
3 White/Creamy Irregular Border

Appearance: Pale whitish rim at the edge of the pink area.

What it is: Advancing epithelial cells (new skin) migrating inward to close the wound.

Teaching Point: Shows the wound is trying to heal from the edges. Keep this edge moist and protected.

Goal: Support epithelialization with moist dressings.
4 Surrounding Intact Skin (Periwound)

Appearance: Pale, dry, wrinkled skin around the wound.

What it is: Normal skin that can become macerated or break down if not protected.

Teaching Point: Always protect the skin around the wound — it prevents the wound from getting bigger.

Goal: Apply skin barrier or zinc oxide to protect from moisture and pressure.

Summary – Wound Healing Phases Visible

  • Inflammatory phase remnants → Central slough
  • Proliferative phase → Healthy granulation tissue (pink ring)
  • Early maturation → Epithelial edge advancing

Key Teaching Message:
“Match the dressing to the tissue you see — Protect the pink!”

Prepared for educational use • Updated: May 2026

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