Can You Put Xeroform on an Open Wound? Safe Application Guide
Can I put Xeroform on an open wound?
The Quick Answer
Yes—Xeroform is **specifically designed for open wounds**, skin grafts, burns, and surgical sites. Its petrolatum-impregnated structure maintains moist healing while preventing adherence to delicate tissue. Apply directly to clean wound bed, cover with secondary absorptive dressing, and change daily. Contraindicated only for heavily exuding wounds, dry eschar, or known bismuth allergy.
Why We Ask This
Patients hesitate to apply 'yellow gauze' directly to open wounds fearing it will stick or introduce infection—missing that Xeroform's non-adherent properties actually protect fragile healing tissue during dressing changes.
The Practical Science
Xeroform's petrolatum saturation creates a semi-occlusive barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss by 70% while allowing gas exchange—optimal conditions for epithelialization without maceration when changed appropriately.
In Clinical Practice
After debridement of a partial-thickness burn, Xeroform is cut to wound dimensions, applied directly to the bed, covered with dry gauze pad, and changed daily—preventing traumatic removal while maintaining moisture critical for re-epithelialization.
References & Context
Changing Your Xeroform Dressing - Health Online"Xeroform is a yellow gauze dressing. It is often put on open wounds and skin grafts to help keep them moist."