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Wound Bed Preparation – TIME Mnemonic

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As we have seen, the TIME mnemonic can be used to capture the fundamental principles of wound bed preparation.1,2 Become a professional at appropriate dressing selection for the different stages of wound healing within the TIME trick. As no single wound dressing is suitable for all wound types or healing stages, wounds should be assessed…

Types of Wound Debridement

Types of Wound Debridement

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Debridement is the removal of foreign material, devitalized tissue, or contaminated tissue from the wound bed. Debridement is an important procedure that greatly affects how a wound will heal. Necrotizing tissue has a negative effect on wound healing. Removal by medical intervention is often necessary.  Many wound dressings provide sufficient debridement without further intervention. Wound…

Signs of Wound Infection That Everyone Should Know

Signs of Wound Infection That Everyone Should Know

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Wound infection is such a common condition and presents so often that every wound care professional will recognize the major signs and symptoms almost instantly. However, the consequences of diagnosing wound infection late, or missing the signs of wound infection completely, are such that it is worth spending a few moments every now and again…

Treatment Options For Necrotic Wounds

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Necrotic tissue that is present in a wound bed causes a physical obstruction to healing. Simply put, wounds cannot heal when necrotic tissue is present. In this article, we’ll define necrotic tissue and describe ways to effect its removal from the wound bed. What is necrotic tissue? Necrotic tissue is dead or devitalized tissue. This…

Debridement Methods

Debridement Methods

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The four main types of debridement are: autolytic, enzymatic, mechanical and surgical. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each method individually: Autolytic debridement This form of debridement uses the body’s own processes (enzymes and moisture) to break down tough eschar and slough. It does not damage healthy skin, but breaks…

Biological Debridement | Wound Debridement Techniques

Our final technique in this short series on wound debridement is biological debridement, a technique based on the use of maggots to remove necrotic tissue from a chronic wound. Biological Debridement History Historically, larvae have been used in wound management for centuries, notably in the Napoleonic Wars and then the American Civil War.1 The technique…

Surgical Debridement | Wound Debridement Techniques

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What is Surgical Debridement? Surgical debridement is similar to sharp debridement in that it relies on the use of forceps, scissors, or a scalpel to remove devitalized tissue, debris or other foreign materials from the wound bed.(1–3) However, unlike sharp debridement, surgical debridement is carried out in a sterile, operating-room environment in order to reduce…