Debridement is the process of removing dead tissue from wounds. The dead tissue may be black, gray, yellow, tan, or white. Foreign material may also be on the wound. It may need to be removed. Your wound care doctor will let you know if dead tissue needs to be removed from your wound.
Debridement Aids in Healing
- Removing dead tissue on a regular basis keeps it clean. It will help your wound grow new tissue.
- Dead tissue can trap odor-causing bacteria. Bacteria may lead to wound infections. Infection can prevent your wound from healing.
- Dead tissue can hide pockets of pus. Pockets of pus can develop into an infection. Infection can prevent your wound from healing.
- Infections can get worse. Infections can cause a life threatening illness and can lead to an amputation if the leg is involved.