Enzymatic agents debride the wound by digesting necrotic tissue.
Different types of enzymatic agents include proteolytic enzymes, fibrinolytic enzymes, collagenase, and papain. The enzymatic action of such agents may be affected by the presence of salts, heavy metals, and antimicrobials. Hard eschar should be scored or cross hatched to allow the enzymes to be effective. The enzymatic debriding method is chosen when the patient is not a suitable candidate for surgery and when the ulcer is free of infection. Enzymatic debriding agents may be cytotoxic and should be discontinued when a clean wound bed is achieved.