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Necrosis

Necrosis refers to the death of cells in living tissue that can be caused by external factors such as infection, trauma or toxins. 

As compared to other natural processes of cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis is almost always detrimental to the health of the patient. This is because the cells that die as a result of necrosis do not signal nearby phagocytes to ingest the dead cells which leads to a buildup of dead tissue and cell debris. When substantial amounts of tissue become necrotic, it becomes known as gangrene. 


There are two main types of necrotic tissue eschar and slough. Eschar tissue is dry, thick and leathery whereas slough necrotic tissue can be moist and loose. 


Necrosis cannot be reversed. However, the underlying cause of necrosis in wounds can be treated to prevent more tissue from becoming necrotic. Necrotic tissue can also delay wound healing, and it is necessary to remove such tissue before any progress towards healing can be made.


Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002266.htm#:~:text=Necrosis%20is%20the%20death%20of,the%20condition%20is%20called%20gangrene.

https://www.woundsource.com/patientcondition/necrotic-wounds

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9690.htm

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