Debridement is the process of removing dead tissue from pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds, to speed healing.

Wounds that contain non-living tissue take longer to heal. This tissue may become colonized with bacteria, producing an unpleasant odor. Though the wound is not necessarily infected, the bacteria can cause inflammation and strain the body's ability to fight infection. Necrotic tissue may also hide pockets of pus called abscesses, which can develop into a general infection that may in turn lead to amputation or death.

Not all wounds need debridement. Sometimes it is better to leave a hardened crust of dead tissue, than to remove it and create an open wound, particularly if the crust is stable and the wound is not inflamed. Before performing debridement, the physician will take a medical history with attention to factors that might complicate healing, such as medications being taken and smoking. Some...