From the Research
When a skin ulcer is healing and developing white or yellow tissue, this is typically a sign of granulation tissue formation, which is a positive development in the wound healing process, as indicated by the most recent study on wound healing in 2021 1. The white or yellow tissue is composed of new blood vessels, collagen, and fibroblasts that are working to fill in the wound bed. This tissue is sometimes referred to as "healthy granulation tissue" and indicates that the wound is progressing through the normal stages of healing. Some key points to consider when dealing with granulation tissue formation include:
- Keeping the wound clean and moist with appropriate dressings such as hydrocolloids or alginates, depending on the amount of drainage, as suggested by studies on wound care 2.
- Changing dressings as recommended by your healthcare provider, typically every 1-3 days based on wound characteristics.
- Avoiding disturbing the new tissue during dressing changes, as this can delay healing.
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as thick, sloughy tissue or an unpleasant odor, and seeking medical attention if necessary, as highlighted in studies on diabetic wound healing 1, 3. The formation of granulation tissue is part of the proliferative phase of wound healing, where the body works to close the wound by creating new tissue before the final remodeling phase occurs. Recent studies have also explored the use of novel therapies, such as biological dressings, to enhance wound healing in diabetic patients, as discussed in 3. However, the most critical factor in promoting wound healing is maintaining a clean and moist environment, as emphasized by the most recent and highest-quality study on wound healing in 2021 1.