Why Is Debridement Important?

Debridement is a natural process that occurs in all wounds and is crucial to healing: damaged and dead tissue, debris and bacteria are removed from the wound, minimising infection risk and encouraging healthy granulation tissue to form, which aids healing (Strohal et al, 2013).

What is the purpose of debridement?

Debridement is a procedure for treating a wound in the skin. It involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing all hyperkeratotic (thickened skin or callus), infected, and nonviable (necrotic or dead) tissue, foreign debris, and residual material from dressings.

How does debridement promote healing?

If your wound isn't getting better, you might need debridement. The procedure helps wounds heal by removing dead or infected tissue. Debridement can be done with live maggots, special dressings, or ointments that soften tissue. The old tissue can also be cut off or removed with a mechanical force, like running water.