If it was deceased... It would be too late (ie, it would be dead...!). Know you meant diseased, but I get dinged every time I misspell a word I just had to laugh.

Many of us peel bulbs back to the first thick healthy white layer for this very reason. Most likely the bulb was bruised and this tissue has died. So it really may be partially deceased in the very sense of the word. But don't fret just peel that bulb back to the first healthy looking white layer and you should be good to go. That exterior of the bulb will turn brown and papery with in a short period of time.
K

Does it hurt if u don't peel the outer layer off?

Well Eric, some of us just like to get down to clean tissue. It also removes places for bugs to hide. New bulbs are tricky. I like to see what I'm getting.

If the spot isn't soft at all, it's probably fine, but I still peel to make sure.
K

Thanks kristi! Good thing thing to know!

Eric,

Here is a link from last year with a discusion on the peeling of bulbs..maybe this will answer some of your questions.

Donna

Here is a link that might be useful: peeling bulbs

Thanks donna! It will be useful!