Enzymatic debridement means putting special chemicals, called enzymes, on your wound. These dissolve dead tissue from the wound.
That is the whole mechanism. Enzymes are applied, and they dissolve tissue that is already dead.
It is one of several ways of doing the same job. Debridement is the process of removing dead skin and tissue, and this tissue must be removed to help your wound heal. The methods include surgical debridement using a scalpel, scissors or other sharp tools; sitting or placing the limb in a whirlpool bath; using a syringe to wash away dead tissue; applying wet-to-dry dressings, where a wet dressing is applied and allowed to dry so that it absorbs some of the dead tissue and is then pulled off along with it; and the enzyme method described above.
Which one is used is a clinical decision rather than a preference. Which wounds suit enzymes, how long the treatment takes, and how it compares with the alternatives are questions for your provider.
One instruction is clear, and it applies to debridement of any kind: you should never try to do this yourself. A provider, such as a podiatrist, will need to do this to make sure the debridement is done correctly and does not make the injury worse.
It is also worth knowing what the wound may look like afterward, because it can be alarming. Your wound may seem bigger and deeper after debridement, and the area will be red or pink in color and look like fresh meat. Wounds that are pale, purple or black are less likely to heal.