Debridement is a procedure for treating a wound in the skin. It involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing all hyperkeratotic (thickened skin or callus), infected, and nonviable (necrotic or dead) tissue, foreign debris, and residual material from dressings. Debridement can be accomplished either surgically or through alternate methods such as use of special dressings and gels. Debridement is an essential step in the protocol for treating diabetic foot ulcers, which occur in at least 15% of patients with diabetes and precede 84% of all diabetes-related lower-leg amputations. The technique alters the environment of the chronic wound and promotes healing.