How do I get rid of proud flesh?

Sent via email by Elaine

Proud flesh is an exuberant growth of granulation tissue, which is highly fibrous, full of small blood vessels and designed to help in the healing process. It is usually reddish in colour, bumpy and uneven. The appearance of this tissue means that scarring will soon occur.

“Granulation tissue is the body’s normal healing response, but when it gets carried away and protrudes from the edges of the skin it is known as proud flesh,” said Michael Stephenson, DVM.

Proud flesh often develops in limb wounds, likely because these wounds are difficult or impossible to suture, although, the exact cause is unknown.

“Primary closure (suturing) is the best approach to avoiding proud flesh. Proper bandaging minimizes the development of proud flesh also, for those wounds that can’t be sutured,” said Stephenson.