Mechanical & Enzymatic Debridement
When a wound affects the skin, it can lead to damage, infection, or even necrosis of the surrounding tissue. An essential part of the healing process is wound debridement, which involves removing the damaged skin. Healing Touch WoundCare offers both mechanical and enzymatic debridement techniques to effectively clear away affected tissue and initiate the healing process.
What Is Wound Debridement?
Wound debridement is a medical procedure that involves the removal of tissue that has been damaged, infected, or has died due to an injury. This process enhances the healing potential of the surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the wound type, debridement may also involve removing some healthy tissue to prevent the wound from spreading or recurring.
Debridement Methods
Debridement can be performed using several different techniques. Total Vein Wellness utilizes two primary methods: mechanical and enzymatic debridement.
Compression therapy uses specially designed stockings to alleviate the symptoms of venous disease by applying light pressure to your legs, supporting your veins, and improving circulation.
These stockings provide graduated compression, with the highest pressure at your ankles that gradually decreases as it moves up your legs. This design, combined with the natural pumping action of your calf muscles, promotes healthy blood flow and reduces swelling and discomfort.
Debridement Methods
Debridement can be performed using several different techniques. Healing Touch WoundCare utilizes two primary methods: mechanical and enzymatic debridement.
Mechanical Debridement: This method involves the use of hydrotherapy, which can include techniques such as irrigation, wet-to-dry dressings, and abrasion. Pressurized water is applied to the wound area to remove affected tissue. The specific steps taken depend on factors such as the type, size, and location of the wound, as well as the level of debridement required.
Enzymatic Debridement: This method uses chemical enzymes to break down and remove dead tissue. The enzymes are applied directly to the affected area, where they act quickly and are effective for various types of wounds, including burns. The enzymes used in this treatment are derived from microorganisms or plants.
Which Method of Debridement Is Right for Me?
Your healthcare provider at Healing Touch WoundCare will determine the best debridement method during your initial consultation. Our skilled wound-care professionals will assess your wound and consider factors such as:
Type and cause of the wound
Condition of the tissue
Amount of tissue to be removed
Location of the wound
Status of the surrounding tissue
Who Should Receive Wound Debridement?
Wound debridement is recommended for patients with wounds containing affected tissue, such as tissue that is infected, damaged, or necrotic (dead). This procedure helps remove dead tissue, bacteria, and older cells while stimulating the regrowth process.
Why Choose Healing Touch WoundCare?
The Healing Touch WoundCare team is one of the few practices to offer specialized care for atypical wounds. Our staff can evaluate your wound to determine if it is atypical and provide comprehensive care solutions. We offer a wide range of therapies that can be used independently or in combination.
Our team of highly-trained providers will also teach you how to properly care for your wound at home. This includes demonstrating how to thoroughly clean the wound, protect healthy skin, and change dressings. If you think you may have an atypical wound, call Healing Touch or book an appointment online today.
