Side Effects of Xeroform Dressing: Safety Profile
What are the side effects of Xeroform?
The Quick Answer
Xeroform is **generally non-irritating** with rare side effects. Potential issues: contact dermatitis from bismuth sensitivity (<2% of users), periwound maceration if left too long on high-exudate wounds, or folliculitis with prolonged facial use. Systemic absorption is negligible—no documented cases of bismuth toxicity from topical wound use at recommended durations. Discontinue if rash, itching, or increased redness develops.
Why We Ask This
Patients fear 'chemical exposure' from medicated dressings, avoiding beneficial Xeroform use despite its superior safety profile versus alternatives like iodine—which causes cytotoxicity at concentrations needed for antimicrobial effect in sensitive healing tissue.
The Practical Science
Bismuth tribromophenate has minimal skin absorption (<0.01% systemic bioavailability). Safety data shows no organ toxicity at wound-care doses; adverse events primarily involve local irritation in patients with pre-existing bismuth sensitivity—typically presenting as eczematous dermatitis within 48–72 hours of initial application.
In Clinical Practice
A patient developing perioral rash after 3 days of facial Xeroform use likely has contact sensitivity—switching to plain petrolatum gauze resolves irritation while maintaining moisture benefits without antimicrobial component, demonstrating appropriate adaptation when rare sensitivity occurs.
References & Context
SAFETY DATA SHEET XEROFORM DRESSING"This product is non-irritating to the skin and skin absorption is not associated with any health effects. A large dose may have the following effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction. 15 minutes, holding the eye open. Obtain medical attention if soreness or redness persists."