What is an indicator of proper wound healing?

Granulation tissue formation is a key indicator of proper wound healing because it signifies the progression from the inflammatory phase to the proliferative phase of healing. During this phase, the body starts to rebuild tissue. Granulation tissue is characterized by the presence of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form at the site of the wound, which aids in healing and provides a scaffold for further tissue regeneration.

The presence of granulation tissue indicates that the wound is not just healing, but is actively undergoing repair and moving towards closure. This tissue typically appears pink or red and is moist, which is a sign of healthy wound healing. Other signs of healing may include a decrease in size of the wound and the formation of new epidermal cells over the granulation tissue.

In contrast, pus formation, increased redness, and continuous bleeding are not indicators of proper wound healing. Pus can indicate infection, increased redness often suggests inflammation or infection rather than healing, and continuous bleeding signifies a problem with hemostasis or an inability to heal appropriately. Therefore, granulation tissue formation is a crucial sign that demonstrates the body’s effective healing process.