The assessment and management of hypergranulation

Wound healing follows a process of four distinct phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation. Problems can arise in any of these phases, delaying the wound process. Hypergranulation (also known as overgranulation) during the proliferation phase occurs when granulation tissue over grows beyond the wound surface. Such wounds have a discoloured, raised or swollen appearance and bleed easily. The cause may be infection, the effects of friction on the wound area, nutritional deficit or stress. Treatments will depend on the cause. There is a lack of studies on treatments for hypergranulaton and more research is required.