Resty Klein T.

Mira
BSPT – 2B
BASIC WOUND CARE

Wound care is the “provision of the appropriate environment for healing by both direct and
indirect methods together with the prevention of skin breakdown”. In other words, wound care
means more than just putting a dressing onto a wound. It means looking into the patient’s
general health, lifestyle and factors that might slow healing down.

A wound is a physical injury to the body consisting of a laceration or breaking of the skin, or
mucous membrane; an opening made in the skin; or a membrane of the body incidental to a
surgical operation or procedure. Wounds may be acute or chronic trauma resulting from an
injury where, because of a number of factors, the injury does not heal. Acute wounds may be a
planned or unplanned event, and healing typically proceeds in an orderly and timely fashion.
Examples of acute wounds include a cut, graze, or burn. Examples of chronic wounds include leg
ulcers, pressure injuries and diabetic wounds.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Explain the phases of wound healing and the interruption that may occur in each phase
which will lead to chronic wounds.

Phase 1: Hemostasis Phase

Hemostasis, the initial stage of healing, aims to halt bleeding as quickly as possible
following an injury. During this phase, the body's emergency repair system, the blood
clotting system, is engaged, and a dam forms to block the drainage. During this process,
platelets come into touch with collagen, producing activation and aggregation. At the
heart of the process is an enzyme called thrombin, which initiates the creation of a fibrin
mesh, which reinforces platelet clumping and creates a solid clot.

Phase 2: Defensive/Inflammatory Phase

During Phase 2, neutrophils, a kind of white blood cell, enter the wound to kill germs and
remove debris. After three days, the number of these cells peaks between 24 and 48
hours after damage and then rapidly decreases. As the white blood cells leave,
macrophages, which are specialized cells, come to complete the cleanup. These cells also
produce growth hormones and proteins that recruit immune system cells to the wound,
speeding up tissue healing. This phase typically lasts four to six days and is marked by
edema, erythema (reddening of the skin), heat, and discomfort.
 Phase 3: Proliferative Phase

In the third stage, epithelial cells emerge from the wound bed or borders and begin to
migrate across the wound bed with a leapfrog pattern until the wound is completely
covered in epithelium. The proliferative phase lasts four to twenty-four days on average.

Phase 4: Maturation Phase

During the Maturation phase, the new tissue progressively acquires strength and
flexibility. Collagen fibers rearrange, tissue remodels and develops, and total tensile
strength rises (though maximum strength is limited to 80 percent of the pre-injured
strength). Depending on the wound, the Maturation phase might span anywhere from 21
days to two years.

Interruptions in Wound Healing

These are the following factors that may interrupt wound healing in an adult:
• Anemia
• Hypoproteinemia
• Jaundice
• Overweight
• Increasing age
• Infection
• Episiotomy
• Poor nutrition
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Malignancy
• Chronic pulmonary disease
• Presence of prior scar or radiation at the incision rate
• Non-compliance with postoperative instructions

2. What are the different wound types?

Different Wound Types

• Incised Wound - A clean, straight cut is produced by a sharp edge (i.e., a knife). It
bleeds freely because numerous arteries may be severed right across. Ligaments
and tendons, which link structures, may be affected as well.

• Laceration - A wound with a messy appearance produced by ripping or crushing.

Although it does not bleed as much as incised wounds, it usually causes greater
tissue damage.
 • Abrasion - Sanding or friction-induced wound. Although it is not generally
particularly deep, it can frequently include a large number of foreign items such
as dirt (for example, following a fall on loose ground).

• Puncture - A deep cut caused by a sharp, stabbing item (i.e., a nail). Although it
appears tiny from the outside, it may cause severe tissue injury. When applied to
the chest, abdomen, or head, where vital organs are at risk, it is especially
dangerous.

• Avulsion - A ripping wound occurs when tissue is pulled away from its usual
location due to a tearing force. The wound may bleed extensively depending on
its size and location. The tissue is frequently totally removed.

• Amputation - The lack of a particular physical part, such as a leg, finger, toe, or
ear. The condition is frequently severe, with copious bleeding. In situations of limb
loss, this is a medical emergency.

3. What are the processes of wound healing?

When our skin is injured, our bodies go through a series of automatic processes known as
the "cascade of healing" to repair the damage. The four overlapping phases of the healing
process are hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.

4. Enumerate the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect wound healing.

Extrinsic Factors
• Smoking
• Mechanical stress
• Moisture
• Infection
• Chemical stress

Intrinsic Factors
• Multiple comorbidities
• Increased age
• Obesity
• Nutritional status
• Health status
5. Define infection and state its effect on wound healing.

An infected wound is a localized defect or excavation of the skin or underlying soft tissue
in which pathogenic organisms have infiltrated viable tissue around the wound. Infection
of the wound activates the body's immune system, causing inflammation, tissue damage,
and delayed recovery.

6. Explain the different wound characteristics and wound drainage

Sanguineous Wound Drainage

Sanguineous wound drainage refers to the new bloody effusion that occurs when the skin
is ruptured, whether by surgery, injury, or another cause. Sanguineous discharge is bright
crimson and viscous, with a viscosity similar to syrup, according to some. During
angiogenesis, it can be found in both full-thickness and deep partial-thickness wounds.
This sort of leakage is normal during the inflammatory phase of wound healing, but it
should diminish and, in most cases, end after a few hours.

Serous Wound Drainage

Serous drainage is a thin plasma that appears mostly clear or slightly yellow and is
somewhat thicker than water. It can be found in venous ulcers as well as partial-thickness
wounds. This isn't the type of wound drainage that leaves a lot of color on a bandage.
Serous fluid includes carbohydrates, white cells, proteins, and other components
necessary for the healing process to move throughout the wound site.

Seropurulent Wound Drainage

Seropurulent wound drainage is hazy, yellow, or brown, indicating that the wound is
getting colonized, and that therapy must be changed. 1 Seropurulent wound drainage
might be pink, gray, yellow, tan, brown, green, or white in hue. Color isn't necessarily
indicative of illness, but any variation from clear discharge should be observed and
explored.

Purulent Wound Drainage

Purulent discharge does not indicate a good wound healing process. Exudate that
changes to a thick, milky liquid or a thick liquid that changes to yellow, tan, gray, green,
or brown nearly invariably indicates the presence of infection. 1 This discharge contains
white blood cells, dead bacteria, wound debris, and inflammatory cells. Purulent wound
discharge, sometimes known as "pus," has a foul or unpleasant odor.
7. Define burn injury, enumerate, and explain its classification.

1ST DEGREE (SUPERFICIAL) BURNS - First-degree burns only damage the epidermis, or
outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and devoid of blisters. Consider a
light sunburn as an example. Long-term tissue injury is unusual and usually shows as a
change in skin tone.

2ND DEGREE (PARTIAL) BURNS - Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and a
part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn wound is red, blistered, swollen, and painful.

3RD DEGREE (FULL THICKNESS) BURNS - Third-degree burns damage the epidermis and
dermis. Third-degree burns can potentially injure the bones, muscles, and tendons
beneath the skin. The burn spot appears white or burned. There is no feeling in the region
since the nerve endings have been damaged.

8. What is the pathophysiology behind electrical burns which makes it different from
regular contact types of burns? Attach photos.

Electrical injuries occur when a high-

energy current passes through the
body as a result of coming into touch
with an electrical source. Injuries can
result from electricity passing
through the body, an arc flash, or
clothes catching fire. The body
transforms electricity to heat in the
first two cases, resulting in a thermal
burn. It's crucial to note that the
external look of an electrical burn
does not always correctly indicate
the real degree of the injury, as
internal tissues or organs might be
burned considerably more severely
than the skin.
9. What are the different assessment tools used in burn patients?

Burn Assessment:
• Wallace Rule of Nine - In adults, a “Rule of Nines” chart is often used to calculate
the proportion of total body surface area (TBSA) that has been burnt. The body is
divided into parts that account for 9% of the total body surface area, according to
the graphic. It is not suitable for minors and should be used only by adults.

• Pediatric Burn Assessment - The Lund-Browder chart is widely used in children

and babies to measure burnt body surface area. Different percentages are utilized
in pediatrics because the surface area of the head and neck compared to the
surface area of the limbs is generally higher in children than in adults.

Product Function Precautions

Gauze Can be dry, moist, or ointment Depending on the region of

impregnated. Allow for damage, it may take some
drainage while providing a time to apply. When
vapor and microbial barrier. applied as a main dressing,
Non-adherent barrier it may adhere (especially
protection when moistened. when dry).
Hydrocolloids While absorbing wound Should only be utilized
exudate, it acts as a vapor and when the surrounding
microbial barrier. It creates a tissue is not in danger.
moist wound environment.

Biologic/ Biosynthetic Skin cover that is just Expenses may be

dressings temporary. A barrier against
infection or evaporation of
water. Bio synthetics are the
products of combining a
biologic source with a
synthetic.
prohibitively expensive.
Body may reject the
product as a temporary
dressing.

Alginates Keep the microenvironment It should not be used on a

physiologically wet. dry wound or one with
Encourages healing and minimal exudate. It is not
granulation tissue formation. recommended to use with
Helps to maintain hemostasis. third-degree burns.

Foams Wound exudate from the Use with caution on

wound bed should be infected wounds.
absorbed.

Antimicrobial Many superficial partial Reapplications are required

Creams/Ointments thickness wounds benefit from to achieve level coverage.
this treatment. Antimicrobial When applied to wounds, it
protection is provided. can be painful.

Antimicrobial Fabrics – Antimicrobial with a broad
Containing Silver spectrum of action (inactivates
bacteria, viruses, fungi).
Controls the production of
exudate. Manufacturers differ
in terms of additional
functions or features.
It has not been tested for
safety during pregnancy. It
is possible that the fabric
will need to be trimmed to
size.
 Outer Dressings Wicking, stretch, and Changes may be required
absorption properties are on a regular basis, which
provided for fluid may be challenging for both
management. staff and patients.

Compression garments After early healing, They can be costly, and

compression is applied to patients frequently refuse
reduce long-term scarring. to wear them.

10. How do you measure or estimate the size and extent of the burn area?

Estimating burn size in adults

● The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area.
● The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
● The chest equals 9% and the stomach equals 9% of the body's surface area.
● The upper back equals 9% and the lower back equals 9% of the body's surface
area.
● The front and back of each leg and foot equal 18% of the body's surface area.
● The groin area equals 1% of the body's surface area.

Estimating burn size in babies and young children

● The front and back of the head and neck are 21% of the body's surface area.
● The front and back of each arm and hand are 10% of the body's surface area.
● The chest and stomach are 13% of the body's surface area.
● The back is 13% of the body's surface area.
● The buttocks are 5% of the body's surface area.
● The front and back of each leg and foot are 13.5% of the body's surface area.
● The groin area is 1% of the body's surface area.
 11. How does the size, extent and depth of the burn area affect the treatment plan and
prognosis of these patients?

To guide therapy and identify whether a patient should be moved to a burn center, a
comprehensive and precise assessment of burn size is necessary. The extent of burns is
calculated using one of the techniques mentioned below and represented as a percentage
of total body surface area (ie, TBSA). The TBSA burn evaluation % does not cover
superficial (first-degree) burns. A burn diagram is used to document the locations of
partial and full thickness burnt regions. Burns having an appearance consistent with either
deep partial-thickness or full-thickness are presumed to be full-thickness unless proper
distinction is available.

12. What are the possible long term and short-term complications of patients suffering
from extensive high voltage electrical burns?

Long Term Effects:

Some electric shocks can have long-term health effects. Serious burns, for example, might
leave scars that are permanent. Cataracts may form if an electrical charge passes through
your eyes. Some shocks can induce persistent pain, tingling, numbness, and muscular
weakening as a result of internal damage. If a kid gets a lip injury or burn from chewing
on a cord, the scab may break off and cause severe bleeding. This is typical due to the
number of arteries in the lip.

Short Term Effects:

An electric shock can cause loss of consciousness, muscular spasms, numbness or tingling,
breathing issues, headache, visual or hearing problems, burns, seizures, and irregular
heartbeat.

Treatments by burn type include:

● First-degree burns: Apply cold water to the burn. Do not use ice. Apply aloe vera gel on
sunburns. Apply antibiotic cream on heat burns and wrap gently with gauze. You can also
use over-the-counter pain relievers.
● Second-degree burns: Second and first-degree burns are treated in the same way. To
destroy germs, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antibiotic cream containing silver,
such as silver sulfadiazine. Elevating the burnt region might help to alleviate pain and
edema.
● Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns may be fatal and frequently necessitate skin
transplants. Skin grafts replace damaged tissue with healthy skin from another region of
the person's body that has not been harmed. The region from which the skin transplant
is removed usually heals on its own. If the individual does not have enough skin available
for a transplant at the time of damage, a temporary supply of graft can come from a
deceased donor or a human-made (artificial) source, but these will need to be replaced
 by the person's own skin eventually. Extra fluids are also given intravenously (through an
IV) to maintain blood pressure stable and prevent shock and dehydration.

13. What is pressure ulcer and give the primary risks factors associated with it?

A pressure ulcer is a localized lesion to the skin or underlying tissue caused by sustained
pressure, typically over a bony prominence. Intrinsic risk factors are separated from
extrinsic risk factors (e.g., limited mobility, poor diet, comorbidities, aging skin)
(e.g.,pressure, friction, shear, moisture).

14. What is the pathophysiology behind the development of pressure ulcers?

Pressure. Microvascular occlusion occurs when soft tissues are squeezed for an extended
length of time between bony prominences and external surfaces, resulting in tissue
ischemia and hypoxia. Pressures over the usual capillary pressure (which varies from 12
to 32 mm Hg) decrease oxygenation and endanger the afflicted tissue's microcirculation.
If compression is not released, a pressure ulcer can form in 3 to 4 hours. Pressure ulcers
most commonly develop on the sacrum, ischial tuberosities, trochanters, malleoli, and
heels, although they can appear everywhere.

Friction. (Rubbing against clothes or bedding) can contribute to skin ulceration by

producing local erosion and fractures in the epidermis and superficial dermis.

Shearing. Shearing forces stress and damage supporting tissues by generating forces of
gravity-drawn muscles and subcutaneous tissues to resist the more superficial tissues that
stay in touch with external surfaces (for example, when a patient is put on an inclined
surface). Shearing forces contribute to pressure damage, but they are not the direct
cause.

Moisture. (From perspiration or incontinence, for example) promotes tissue breakdown

and maceration, which can lead to or aggravate pressure ulcers.

15. Enumerate and explain the staging of pressure ulcers.

Stage 1

The first stage is the mildest. It produces a reddish tinge to the top layer of your skin. Although
the incision has not yet opened, the severity of the condition goes beyond the skin's surface.
There are no surface fractures or tears, despite the fact that the afflicted region is sensitive to
the touch. You may also experience stinging or itching. When you squeeze the region firmly, you
may notice that it turns red, and your skin does not get pale. This means that blood flow has been
interrupted and an ulcer is developing. The texture and warmth of this growing sore will most
likely differ from the surrounding normal tissues.
Stage 2

You will most likely suffer discomfort from the ulcer during the second stage. Your skin's painful
spot has burst through the top layer and portion of the layer underneath. The break usually
results in a shallow, open incision, and there may or may not be any drainage from the location.
A stage 2 ulcer may manifest as a serum-filled (clear to yellowish fluid) blister that has ruptured
or not. The skin around the affected region may be puffy, painful, or red. This suggests that there
has been tissue death or injury.

Stage 3

Sores in the third stage have broken fully through the top two layers of skin and into the fatty
tissue underneath. At this stage, an ulcer may resemble a crater. It may also have a terrible odor.

Stage 4

Stage 4 ulcers are the deadliest. These sores spread below the subcutaneous fat and enter deep
into your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In more severe cases, they might extend as far as the
cartilage or bone. At this point, there is a significant risk of infection. The pain caused by these
sores can be severe. Common sightings include drainage, dead skin tissue, muscles, and bone.
Your skin may become black and exhibit indications of infection, as well as a dark, hard material
called eschar (hardened dead wound tissue) appearing in the sore.

16. What are the different assessment tools used in pressure ulcers?

A number of instruments have been created to aid in the official assessment of pressure ulcer
risk. The three most commonly used scales are the Braden Scale, the Norton Scale, and the
Waterlow Scale. The Braden Scale, which is often used in the United States, is composed of six
components: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction and
shearing. The Norton Scale, created in the United Kingdom, is made up of five components:
physical condition, mental condition, activity, mobility, and incontinence.

17. What are the guidelines for pressure ulcer management?

Skin care includes inspecting skin on a regular basis and adhering to a tailored bathing regimen
that includes warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Massage over bony prominences should be
avoided, and lubricants should be used if the skin is dry.

Managing pressure is also necessary and the following is recommended.

● Provide appropriate support surface

● Reposition every two hours in bed

 ● Off-load heels - use pillows or positioning boot

● Reposition every hour when in chair

● Use pillow between legs for side lying

● Do not position directly on trochanter

● Do not use doughnut-type devices

18. How do you measure or estimate the size and extent of the pressure ulcer?

Healthcare practitioners can utilize pressure ulcer size measurement to record and track the
course and healing of a pressure ulcer. By correctly recording this, it is possible to determine if a
treatment is helpful in encouraging healing by lowering the size of the pressure ulcer. It is critical
for healthcare practitioners to recognize that a pressure ulcer affects more than just the visible
skin; it also has a cavity beneath it with depth and volume. In addition to the apparent hole, there
may be a cavity beneath the skin that cannot be seen. This would have to be evaluated in addition
to any obvious damage measurement.

19. Compare and contrast arterial insufficiency ulcers, venous insufficiency ulcers,
neuropathic ulcers, and pressure sores.

Managing pressure is also necessary and the following is recommended.

• Provide appropriate support surface
• Reposition every two hours in bed
• Off-load heels - use pillows or positioning boot
• Reposition every hour when in chair
• Use pillow between legs for side lying
• Do not position directly on trochanter
• Do not use doughnut-type devices
20. What is the basic goal of wound care management and goals dependent on wound stage
and appearance?

The ultimate goal of wound care is to promote healing while preventing microbial infection.
Infection in the wound causes increased exudate production and delayed wound healing.
Wounds in the elderly, on the other hand, heal well with careful management and the use of
suitable coverings.

21. Enumerate the different wound dressing and bandages, give its advantages and
disadvantages.

⮚ Gauze Bandages

Gauze bandages may be manufactured from a variety of wound treatment materials.

Gauze bandages can also be made of nylon or rayon and are referred to as non-weave
bandages. Ambulance medics on the scene frequently use gauze bandages as a quick
repair. This is due to the fact that they either adhere to adjacent wounds for support or
are packed into a wound cavity. Gauzes are also used to prevent infection between burn
layers. They can also be placed on top of lacerations to avoid illness or irritation. Wearing
gauze bandages for an extended period of time is not advised since they do not establish
a firm seal.

Advantages: Gauze bandages may be trimmed to size; however they are only used once
and then discarded. They're a great alternative to hypoallergenic plasters, which might
cause skin irritation. Gauze bandages are very inexpensive and widely available at most
general medical stores.

Disadvantages: Gauze bandages do not cling well to wounds or to the skin. This implies
that they are unable to contain fluids or germs in the injury. They can also come undone
at any time.

⮚ Hydrocolloid Bandage

Hydrocolloid bandages are translucent, sticky bandages that have a layered effect when
applied to wounds. They provide a seal over an injury to protect it from external
influences when applied on top of other dressings. Gelatinous material is used in
hydrocolloid dressings. When applied to wounds, they absorb aqueous matter while
maintaining moisture levels. This allows tissue under the skin to recover more quickly by
decreasing redness and inflammation. Hydrocolloid dressings are extremely beneficial in
the healing of all types of wounds.

Advantages: Hydrocolloid bandages form a seal over the wound and keep it closed. This
prevents dirt from getting into the affected region. It permits the body's natural cleansing
and healing processes to take place. Hydrocolloid bandages also prevent fluid leakage and
can pull fluids from the wound region. This significantly lowers pain, minimizes swelling,
and promotes healing without interruption.

Disadvantages: Hydrocolloid bandages are ineffective for treating deep or infected

wounds. This is due to the fact that they do not absorb blood or bacterial infection.

⮚ Hydrogel Wound Dressings

Gel bandages are clear wound dressings composed of wax, air bubbles, or hydrogels.
When these materials come into touch with the skin, they produce a gel-like substance.
Gel bandages contain a high-water content, which improves blood flow to the skin's
deepest layers. Medics most commonly utilize hydrogel bandages in organ transplants
and skin grafts. They function as a bandage, sealing wounds without causing pain or
suffering.

Advantages: They adhere nicely to the body and cover wounds comfortably. They may
also tolerate repeated modifications without losing efficacy. Furthermore, gel bandages
do not irritate the skin and can be used on delicate skin. Gel bandages form a seal over
wounds and help to halt bleeding. This keeps infection from spreading to deeper tissues.

Disadvantages: Because hydrogel wound dressing bandages are thick, they are not sterile
and can only be used once. They must be applied with caution since their thickness might
be unpleasant for the patient.

⮚ Moisture-Retentive Bandages

Moisture-retentive bandages are clear dressings comprised of materials like cotton wool.
These are beneficial because of their capacity to absorb blood and exudate (liquid
substance) from wounds. Bandages that retain moisture decrease the pace at which
wounds release fluid. This encourages the development of new live tissue, lowering the
chance of infection.

Advantages: Moisture-retentive bandages retain wound exudates on the dressing,

preventing infection from spreading further. This alleviates pain and suffering by forming
a protective layer over the healing wound.

Disadvantages: Moisture-retentive bandages easily peel off. This causes irritation and
pain to the sufferer, both externally and inside. They also do not allow wounds to breathe
when the damage requires cleaning of germs or fluid.
 ⮚ Oxygen-Absorbing Bandages

Blue cellulose is one of the materials used in oxygen-absorbing bandages. This blue
cellulose aids in the breakdown of the oxygen absorbed by a wound. The majority of the
time, oxygen-absorbing treatments are used to treat injuries that have produced necrotic
tissue (dead skin). They keep germs from spreading into deeper layers of tissue. They also
increase oxygen levels, which promotes healing and shortens recovery times.

Advantages: Oxygen-absorbing bandages enhance the amount of oxygen in a wound. As

previously stated, this stimulates quicker cell development and regeneration in the
region. They also aid in the closure of the wound. This also keeps germs from infiltrating
deeper tissue layers. All of these dressings (which include hydrocolloids) promote healthy
cell development and regeneration.

Disadvantages: Oxygen-absorbing bandages are incapable of removing fluids from

wounds. They can be hazardous if used in conjunction with a large number of exudates.
They are also not appropriate for deep or infected wounds.

⮚ Transparent Film Bandages

Transparent film bandages, often known as transparent wound dressing tape, are
composed of PVC. They sit over a wound to seal it shut while providing minimal
discomfort. The tight seal allows natural healing to take place beneath the dressing.
Transparent film bandages come with adhesive tapes pre-applied for easier application.
As a result, they are ideal for injuries to greater regions of the body.

Advantages: Transparent film bandages are inexpensive. They cut to size quickly and
require little maintenance because they are only used once. As a result, they are a less
expensive choice. They also allow wounds to breathe and heal more quickly.

Disadvantages: Transparent film bandages are not effective in absorbing blood or

exudates. As a result, if used on deep or infected wounds, healing may take longer, or
infection may spread. They are also not sterile; therefore, they should only be used once.

22. Define debridement and compare and contrast the different types of debridement.

Debridement is the removal of dead (necrotic) or diseased skin tissue from a lesion to aid
in healing. It can also be used to remove foreign things from tissue. Surgery is necessary
for wounds that are not healing. These wounds are often immobilized in the early phases
of recovery. The wound might begin to heal anew when the diseased tissue is removed.
Biological debridement

Biological debridement employs sterile maggots of the common green bottle fly,
Lucilia sericata. Larval treatment, maggot debridement therapy, and biosurgery are other
names for the procedure. By consuming old tissue, the maggots aid in wound healing.
They also keep infections at bay by secreting antimicrobial chemicals and consuming
dangerous germs.

Enzymatic debridement

Enzymatic debridement, also known as chemical debridement, employs an

ointment or gel containing enzymes that dissolve diseased tissue. The enzymes might be
derived from an animal, a plant, or microorganisms. The medicine is administered once
or twice daily. A dressing is applied to the wound and is changed on a regular basis. When
the dressing is removed, it will remove dead tissue.

Autolytic debridement

Autolytic debridement softens hard tissue by utilizing your body's enzymes and
natural fluids. This is accomplished using a moisture-retaining dressing, which is generally
changed once each day. Moisture causes old tissue to expand and detach from the
incision.

Mechanical debridement

The most frequent method of wound debridement is mechanical debridement. It

uses a moving force to eliminate unhealthy tissue.

Conservative sharp and surgical sharp debridement

Sharp debridement cuts off unhealthy tissue to eliminate it. Scalpels, curettes, or
scissors are used for conservative sharp debridement. The incision does not go all the way
through to the surrounding healthy tissue. A family physician, nurse, dermatologist, or
podiatrist can do it as a minor bedside surgery.
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