Wound Care Procedure - Collagenase & Saline Gauze

Wound Care Procedure Instructions

Document Created: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Yes — your plan is correct.
For this heel wound (with central slough and healthy pink granulation), irrigating with normal saline followed by collagenase and saline-moistened gauze is an appropriate approach.

Daily Wound Care Steps

1Cleanse / Irrigate the Wound

Gently rinse or irrigate the wound with Normal Saline using a syringe or the provided wound cleanser. This removes loose debris without damaging healthy tissue.

2Apply Collagenase Ointment

Apply a thin layer of collagenase (e.g., Santyl) directly to the wound bed, especially over the yellowish slough area. Use about the thickness of a nickel.

3Cover with Saline-Moistened Gauze

Place gauze moistened with normal saline (wrung out so it’s damp, not dripping) over the wound. This keeps the area moist so the collagenase can work effectively.

4Secure the Dressing

Cover with a foam dressing or absorbent pad and tape or wrap it securely (but not too tight). Change the dressing once daily or as instructed by your provider.

Important Reminders:
  • Do NOT let the gauze dry out completely (avoid true wet-to-dry debridement).
  • Protect the healthy pink granulation tissue — be gentle during dressing changes.
  • Keep ALL pressure off the heel at all times (use heel offloader or pillow).
  • Continue this until the slough is cleared, then the provider may change the plan.

When to Call Your Doctor

  • Increased redness, swelling, pus, or bad odor
  • Fever or chills
  • More pain or bleeding
  • The wound gets larger

Follow these steps daily and keep pressure off the heel — this should help clear the slough while protecting the healing tissue.

Prepared for patient & caregiver use • Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific orders.

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