Quick Facts - Debridement

Debridement removes non-viable tissue from a wound, which may include necrotic tissue, slough, biofilm, exudate, and metabolic waste. These tissues prolong the inflammatory phase and provide nutrients to bacteria in the wound bed, impeding granulation formation. Subsequently, an understanding of debridement is vital when faced with non-viable tissue in the wound bed. This fact sheet provides several tips and pearls regarding the various debridement methods, biofilm treatment, pain management, and others.