Autolytic wound debridement

Autolytic debridement is the most common method of debridement. With this method, the body’s cells and enzymes break down and remove devitalised tissue. This process is facilitated by a moist wound environment. As a certain amount of exudate is needed, maceration of tissue surrounding the wound can occur. Autolytic debridement is noninvasive and selective, but it can be slow. It can be particularly useful for patients if sharp debridement is not available or inappropriate.

Do not induce autolytic debridement for clinically infected wounds, or for patients with a high risk of anaerobic infection (eg patients with diabetes or extensive necrotic tissue), or with ischaemia of a limb or digit.