Petroleum Gauze Dressing is a non-adherent primary dressing that maintains a moist wound bed for healing. Petroleum-impregnated cotton gauze forms a smooth and conforming dressing.
Overview and Indications
There are many reasons for wound deterioration such as desiccation and trauma from dressing removal. Petrolatum impregnated gauze was developed to address these two aspects to improved wound healing. Skin surface breakdown leads to a buildup of necrotic cellular debris and an increased opportunity for bacteria to form biofilms on the wound. Petrolatum gauze by virtue of its limited pore size prevents rapid evaporation from the wound and also prevents absorption by the secondary dressing of topical creams and ointments applied to address moisture or biofilm issues. The petrolatum coating also provides a hydrophilic non-adherent contact layer allowing the secondary dressing to be removed without trauma to the granulation bed, promoting faster healing.1 The dressing also conforms to the shape of the body part, which is helpful for wounds located for example, on the heel or posterior Achilles.
Product Features
1. Antimicrobial format available
2. Conforms readily to wound
3. Cuttable
4. Flexible
5. Intact when saturated
6. Moisture vapor permeable
7. Moldable
8. Non-linting
9. One-piece removal
10. Packing strips
11. Secondary dressing required
12. Usable on infected wounds
13. Variety of sizes
Benefits
• Petrolatum impregnate remains moist to minimize drying out and adherence
• Non-adherent fine mesh reduces pain and trauma during dressing changes
• Conforms to body contours to help seal air leaks and unwanted fluid loss
• Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating
Contraindications
Petrolatum gauze also has its limitations. It is contraindicated in patients that have third-degree burns, long-term dressing changes, or heavily exudating wounds.2
Application
The application of a petrolatum gauze wound dressing is similar to any non-adhesive dressing. Being aware of the contraindications, the petrolatum gauze is applied over the wound bed and wrapped with more compressive dressings to keep the area occluded. Petrolatum dressings are available in a multiple formats and are available from a number of manufacturers
References:
1. Reynolds L. What Is Petroleum Gauze? WiseGeek. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-xeroform-dressing.htm Updated October 21, 2014. Accessed November 19, 2014.
2. Calianno C. How to Choose the Right Treatment and Dressing for the Wound. Nursing. 2003;33:6-14