Xeroform is a type of material mainly used for medical dressing purposes and it is made up of finely woven mesh with 3 percent Bismuth Tribromophenate and a touch of petrolatum. Xeroform gauze is mainly used to treat open wounds such as surface burns, lacerations, surgical incisions and new circumcisions. Xeroform gauze is mostly used as first aid as it is non adherent – it does not stick to open wounds – has anti bacterial and antiseptic properties and it prevents the wounds from being infected – a condition common post treatment in case of open wounds.
General usage of Xeroform:
Xeroform is commonly being used nowadays as it is effective in case of different types of wounds and can be used for a variety of purposes and is comparatively easy to use. Medical dressing gauzes are usually applied along with different substances to maximize their effect. For example, dry gauze can cause future complications like wound trauma and further infection in the wound while changing the dressing. Therefore dry gauze is usually applied along with ointment which keeps the wound wet or moist and acts as an antiseptic.
A hydrated and healthy wound heals up faster than a dry one and it does not cause constant irritation to the patient. One substance that the Xeroform gauze is infused with is the petroleum component petrolatum, which keeps the wound moist without the application of external ointments and the gelatinous property keeps the wound wet. However, Xeroform gauzes are supposed to fit the wound and should be trimmed at the correct space. If this is not followed maceration of the surrounding skin can occur and this may lead to complications.
Applying Xeroform gauze for bandaging:
Maceration means softening of the skin or breaking down of the healthy skin tissues with constant exposure to moisture for a constant period of time. This further complicates the process of recovery as macerated skin is prone to infections. Prevention of maceration is the primary treatment procedure and this needs to be taken care of while treating any major infection prone wound. Therefore, constant changing of the dressing is recommended by all medicinal gauze manufacturers.
Xeroform gauze is meant for wounds which have a light amount of blood cells and plasma leaking from it such as skin biopsy sites, surgical incisions and minor burns. Xeroform is not designed for heavy or deep wounds as it cannot hold on for long. If applied for a long period of time, the person can develop allergies to Bismuth Tribromophenate and this is not desired in any case.
Disadvantages must also be kept in mind:
Hence, in such situations Xeroform dressing gauze is not the best option one has. Patients can be given Xeroform dressing as a primary precaution. However, the doctor’s medication and reference must be taken at the earliest in such situations. Xeroform gauze is however quite pricey and costs are not covered under insurance as of yet. So, the patient has to bear the total costs. However, these are minor problems and can be dealt with. Overall, Xeroform gauze is turning out to be quite useful and its use is increasing on a daily basis.
