What is Wound Debridement?

Post Reviewed By Expert

This post was reviewed by our Director of Clinical Excellence and Oversight.

When dealing with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, or bedsores debridement is often necessary. Debridement is the process by which unhealthy or dead tissue is removed from a wound, and it has been practiced since the early 1700s4. Not all chronic wounds require debridement; a doctor will decide if the process is necessary. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:

Wound care supplies

Benefits of Debridement

Debridement is a common practice for individuals with chronic wounds. There can be many benefits such as:

  • Infected areas can be removed to stop the spread1
  • Can help wounds to heal more quickly1
  • Create a more even wound edge for decreased scarring1

Now that the benefits are clear, lets discuss the various debridement methods:

Methods of Debridement

There are five methods of debridement. When deciding on the technique of debridement that should be used, doctors have a saying, “look at the whole patient, not only the hole in the patient.” This means that doctors heavily consider the patient’s medical history as well as the state of their wound2. These are five primary methods of debridement:

  1. Enzymatic2: A prescribed topical treatment is applied to the wound that liquifies dead tissue. This method is commonly used in long term care settings as there is less pain involved, and daily application is needed.
  2. Autolytic2: This method is the slowest but also the most pain-free. Autolytic debridement encourages the body to break down the dead tissue using moisture. The wound is dressed with a hydrocolloid, hydrogel, or transparent film to ensure the right moisture level is produced. Learn more about the different types of wound dressings by reading What Types of Wound Dressings Are There? 
  3. Mechanical3: This type of debridement involves manual removal of the dead tissue by use of wet-to-dry dressings, scrubbing, wound cleansing, wound irrigation, whirlpool, or use of hydrogen peroxide. This method can be painful, but it is one of the more cost-effective methods.
  4. Surgical sharp and conservative2: Much like it sounds, this is a surgical option for debridement. Sharp and conservative debridement can be performed in a clinic or at the bedside with sterile instruments. A skilled practitioner must perform the surgery either in a clinic or at someone’s bedside with surgical instruments.
  5. Biological2: Maggots raised in a sterile environment are applied to the wound, and the wound is wrapped in gauze. The maggots only eat the dead tissue leaving the healthy tissue to heal. This method is not very common but is still used in some cases.

Let Home Care Delivered Make Life Easier

Our team at Home Care Delivered takes the stress out of ordering wound care supplies so that you can focus on healing. We carry a wide variety of dressings, foams, gauze, tapes, and more. Our product specialists can help take care of the paperwork, and will follow up with you each month to make sure you have everything you need and are satisfied. We are here to help you and your loved ones get through this challenging time. To sign up, enter your phone number in the bottom left of the screen, and a specialist will call you.

customer service rep touching headset

Disclaimer:

Unless otherwise noted, the recommendations in this document were obtained from the sources indicated. Be advised that information contained herein is intended to serve as a useful reference for informational purposes only. HCD cannot be held responsible for the continued accuracy of or for any errors or omissions in the information. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Get Insurance-Covered Wound Supplies

Accurate Orders | We Handle the Paperwork

Get Insurance Covered Wound Supplies

Latest Posts

Home Care Delivered Announces New Vice President of People and Culture

Home Care Delivered, Inc. (“HCD”), a leader in providing direct-to-patient medical supplies, including diabetes/CGM, incontinence, wound, urological, and ostomy products, is pleased to announce an exciting addition to its leadership team. Effective July 23, 2024, Maggie Smith joins HCD as Vice President of People and Culture, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in human resources.

Home Care Delivered, Inc. Appoints New CEO; Founder and CEO Transitions to Chairman of the Board

Home Care Delivered, Inc. (“HCD”), a leader in providing direct to patient medical supplies including diabetes/CGM, incontinence, wound, urological, and ostomy products, announces a leadership change. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gordy Fox, will transition to Chairman of the Board and Gayle Devin will join HCD as Chief Executive Officer effective November 27, 2023.

How to Find Your Ostomate Community

If you live with an ostomy, or care for someone who does, it’s tempting to think that you’re the only one dealing with the issues associated with being an ostomate. The truth is that as many as 1 in 500 Americans lives with an ostomy and a vibrant community has grown up to provide support for those dealing with the medical issues, work and school concerns, and the emotional roller coaster that can accompany this life-changing procedure.

9 Things to Know About Your Glucometer

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have checked your blood sugar (glucose) thousands of times. Or, if you are new to the diabetes community, this whole fingerstick thing might still be a little strange. Either way, we think you’ll benefit from this update on best practices for using a traditional glucose meter (glucometer), plus tips for making monitoring as easy and effective as possible. An alternative to the glucometer for those diagnosed with diabetes is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a wearable device that tracks your glucose 24/7 mostly without fingersticks. Get answers to common questions about CGMs here.

Latest Posts

Home Care Delivered Announces New Vice President of People and Culture

Home Care Delivered, Inc. (“HCD”), a leader in providing direct-to-patient medical supplies, including diabetes/CGM, incontinence, wound, urological, and ostomy products, is pleased to announce an exciting addition to its leadership team. Effective July 23, 2024, Maggie Smith joins HCD as Vice President of People and Culture, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in human resources.

Home Care Delivered, Inc. Appoints New CEO; Founder and CEO Transitions to Chairman of the Board

Home Care Delivered, Inc. (“HCD”), a leader in providing direct to patient medical supplies including diabetes/CGM, incontinence, wound, urological, and ostomy products, announces a leadership change. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gordy Fox, will transition to Chairman of the Board and Gayle Devin will join HCD as Chief Executive Officer effective November 27, 2023.