Black skin near a wound may be dried blood or a scab, but it can also be dead tissue, a deep pressure injury, poor blood flow, or a rapidly progressing infection. It should be assessed promptly, especially with diabetes or circulation disease. Do not cut, peel, soak, or chemically treat black tissue at home.
Dark tissue can represent a surface scab, dried blood, bruising, or tissue that has lost its blood supply. On a heel or another pressure point, stable dry tissue may require a different plan than wet, loose, draining tissue. Appearance alone cannot establish depth or cause.
Poor arterial blood flow may cause tissue loss and can make debridement unsafe until circulation is evaluated. A clinician may check pulses, skin temperature, color, sensation, and vascular studies before deciding how the area should be managed.
Keep pressure off the area, protect it with the dressing already prescribed, and arrange prompt assessment. Do not cut away black tissue or apply peroxide, bleach, acids, heating pads, or tightly wrapped bandages. People with diabetes should avoid walking on an affected foot.
Go to emergency care for signs of threatened circulation or fast-moving infection.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.