Proteolytic enzymes in wound-bed preparation of chronic wounds

In the past few years,several different proteolytic enzymes have been shown to be effective in conditioning the chronic wound beds.The use of proteolytic enzymes in wound-bed preparation enables a selective painless debridement.Moreover multiple positive effects on formation of granulation tissue and re-epithelialization have been observed.Therefore, a faster overall healing of chronic wounds may result. Moreover, numerous positive effects on a rapid induction of granulation are discussed.The supporting data do not fulfill the criteria of evidence-based medicine. For most chronic wounds today, enzymatic debridement represents a first choice method especially for outpatients and perhaps in combination with surgical debridement.