In the context of wound care, what is debridement?

Debridement is the process of removing dead or infected tissue from a wound to promote healing. This is a critical aspect of wound care as it helps to eliminate barriers to healing, such as necrotic tissue or biofilm created by bacteria, which can impede the body's natural healing processes. By cleaning out the wound, healthcare providers can create a healthier environment that supports healing, reduces the risk of infection, and improves the chances of recovery.

In contrast, applying a dressing does not involve tissue removal, as it primarily aims to protect the wound and maintain a moist healing environment. Cleansing with antiseptics is meant to clean the wound but does not involve the physical removal of non-viable tissue. Closing a wound with sutures pertains to securing the edges of the wound together to facilitate healing, which does not address the need for debridement if dead tissue is present.