What Is Petrolatum Made Of And What Does It Do?

What is Xeroform is a question that many people wonder when they are looking around for sterile gauze dressings for wounds. Xeroform is a non-adherent dressing that won’t stick to wounds. This means that if you have a wound that requires frequent dressing changes, the pain will be much less than if the dressing did stick to it.

A lot of people might be confused as to what occlusive means on the box as well. This means that air cannot get through the dressing. Occlusive dressings have the purpose of holding in moisture and heat, both of which are required for proper wound healing.

What is Petrolatum Made Of?

Xeroform petrolatum dressings come in the form of a mesh gauze that fits and shapes the body. It feels soothing against the skin, and included in the formula is a 3% bismuth tribromophenate petroleum blend. The purpose of this is to give bacteriostatic protection. Another benefit of Xeroform is that it deodorizes wound odor.

What Is Petrolatum Used For?

There are several things that cured Xeroform Petrolatum dressing can be used for:

  • Abrasions

  • Lacerations

  • First degree burns

  • Second-degree burns

  • Skin grafts

  • Donor sites

  • Circumcision sites

  • Surgical incisions

  • Light exudate wounds

It’s important to note that it should not be used on infected wounds.

How Do You Use Xeroform Gauze Dressings?

There are a number of steps to using Xeroform gauze dressings:

  1. Ensure that the wound is cleansed with sterile water.

  2. Using a clean cloth, dry the area around the wound.

  3. Put Xeroform on top of the wound.

  4. Adhere to the frequency of gauze changes as advised by your doctor.

  5. To keep a moist environment for the wound, Xeroform is meant to be changed often.

  6. Cover the Xeroform gauze with a sterile bandage roll that is non-adherent.

  7. Discard any Xeroform and secondary dressing after use as they are meant only to be used once.

The Xeroform Experience

Because Xeroform gauze shapes to the body, it is comfortable to wear for most people. It’s advised to use another wound bandage on top of it so that it is securely held in place. The Xeroform gauze dressing is perfect to wear if you maintain an active lifestyle, but ensure to adhere to your instructions regarding it. It is a bandage that doesn’t limit mobility or movement. The bandage should be changed every day to provide the wound with a sufficient environment to heal in.

The Xeroform gauze mesh is nice and cool, eliminating any discomfort that wounds can sometimes cause. It’s fine to get Xeroform slightly wet, but getting it completely drenched is advised against. Taking showers is recommended instead of baths, and if you have a removable shower head, that’s another bonus. If you notice that the dressing has gotten wet after a shower, then just pat it dry. Using a hairdryer is another good idea to help keep the area dry.

If a wound area gets too wet, the skin can become fragile. If this occurs, simply change the bandage and apply a new one after drying the area. If you’re the type that’s around water all the time, you can apply a wound protector. These are specifically designed for shower use.

If you’re using Xeroform and happen to notice any infection symptoms, contact your healthcare professional, and they will most likely refer you to a different dressing for your wound. Specific dressings are used for infected wounds.