What is granulation tissue?

Granulation tissue is a type of vascular connective tissue that forms on the surface of healing wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissues, explains Drugs.com. Healthy granulation tissue appears shiny red and granular, or grainy, notes WoundSource. Pale granulation tissue typically indicates a lack of blood flow.

An intermediate step in the wound healing process, the formation of granulation tissue promotes healing from the edges of wounds, according to WoundSource. Granulation tissue is very fragile; using dry or adherent dressings, applying too much pressure to the wound or irrigating the wound too intensely can injure the tissue. As healing progresses, a layer of epidermal tissue covers granulation tissue.