Biological debridement uses sterile maggots from the species Lucilia sericata, the common green bottle fly. The process is also called larval therapy, maggot debridement therapy, and biosurgery. The maggots help wound healing by eating old tissue and controlling infection by releasing antibacterial substances and eating harmful bacteria. The maggots are placed on the wound or in a mesh bag, which is kept in place with dressing. They’re left for 24 to 72 hours and replaced twice a week. Biological debridement is best for wounds that are large or infected by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, like MRSA. It’s also used if you can’t have surgery due to medical conditions.

Enzymatic debridement, or chemical debridement, uses an ointment or gel with enzymes that soften unhealthy tissue. The enzymes may come from an animal, plant, or bacteria. The medication is applied once or twice a day. The wound is covered with a dressing, which is changed regularly. The dressing will remove dead tissue when it’s removed.

Autolytic debridement uses your body’s enzymes and natural fluids to soften bad tissue. This is done with a moisture-retaining dressing that’s typically changed once a day.

Mechanical debridement is the most common type of wound debridement. It removes unhealthy tissue with a moving force.

Sharp debridement removes unhealthy tissue by cutting it off.