What Wounds Require Xeroform? Indications and Applications
What wounds to use Xeroform on?
The Quick Answer
Xeroform is indicated for **partial-thickness wounds** with light-to-moderate exudate: skin graft sites (donor/recipient), first/second-degree burns, newly sutured wounds, lacerations, abrasions, and minor surgical incisions. Its petrolatum-impregnated structure maintains optimal moisture for epithelialization while preventing adherence trauma during dressing changes—critical for wounds where tissue fragility demands non-traumatic care.
Why We Ask This
Clinicians inappropriately apply Xeroform to wounds with mismatched characteristics—using it on highly draining wounds causing maceration or dry necrotic wounds failing to rehydrate tissue—both scenarios delaying healing through moisture imbalance that contradicts fundamental wound physiology principles.
The Practical Science
Xeroform's 30–40% petrolatum saturation creates semi-occlusive conditions increasing epidermal hydration by 50% versus dry dressings—optimal for keratinocyte migration in wounds with intact dermal elements. Bismuth tribromophenate provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial action without cytotoxicity to healing fibroblasts.
In Clinical Practice
Following split-thickness skin grafting, Xeroform applied directly to both donor and recipient sites prevents adherence trauma during daily changes while maintaining moisture critical for graft take—typically achieving >95% graft survival rates when combined with appropriate secondary dressings and offloading protocols.
References & Context
Xeroform® Occlusive Dressing - WoundSource"Xeroform® Occlusive Dressing is intended for use as a primary contact layer in dressing wounds such as lacerations, skin graft recipient sites, newly sutured wounds, abrasions and minor or partial-thickness burns."