Jwc ewma final indd

J O U R N A L  O F WO U N D  C A R E   Vo l   2 2 .  N o   1 .  E W M A   D o c u M E N t   2 0 1 3  

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his chapter describes various debridement 

techniques with autolytic, enzymatic and/

or absorptive properties. Many different 

products are currently available on the market, 

offering different combinations of components 

and suitable for different wound characteristics and 

stages. We will provide an overview of the various 

product types, defined in four overall categories: 

autolytic dressings, enzymatic dressings, absorptive 

dressings and honey. 

Autolytic dressings

Background

The term ‘autolytic debridement’ describes a 

natural process in all kinds of wounds, which 

can be supported by a moist wound-mangament 

strategy. Autolytic debridement products can 

be found in many different varieties, including 

different properties, benefits and limitations. They 

can be defined in the following groups: 

a

 Hydrogels, or hydrogel-based dressings, are 

three-dimensional, cross-linked homopolymers 

Autolyticdressings,

enzymaticdressings,

absorbtivedressings

andhoney

or copolymers, saturated with water. The 

proportion of water in hydrogel dressings can 

vary from 30% to 90%. Different gel-forming 

agents, such as carboxymethylcellulose, are 

incorporated into most hydrogels.

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b

 Hydrocolloids are composed of carbomethyl-

cellulose, gelatin, pectin, elastomers and 

adhesives that turn in to a gel when exudate  

is absorbed.

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c

 Highly absorptive dressings with autolytic 

and occlusive properties, such as dressings 

with a multifunctional polymeric membrane 

formulation and hydrations techniques 

(e.g. hydration response technology [HRT]). 

These dressings are designed for exudation 

management, aiming to create a moist and 

physiological environment for autolytic 

debridement.

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Some dressings comprise a hydrophilic polymer-

modified starch in its three-dimensional network 

with physically-bound iodine. 

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