Sometimes the most confusing item on a wound care supply list isn’t the treatment itself, it’s the name. If your doctor or nurse recommended xeroform gauze and you wondered how it differs from the plain gauze in your first-aid kit, you’re asking a very common question. You may also see it called a xeroform dressing, or misspelled as “zeroform,” “xerofoam” or “zero foam gauze.” It is all the same product.
Although it looks similar to standard gauze, it is designed for a different purpose. Knowing when it is used can make wound care at home much easier.
Xeroform gauze at a glance
- What it is: sterile, fine-mesh gauze impregnated with 3% bismuth tribromophenate in a petrolatum base.
- What it does: forms a non-stick layer over the wound, so dressing changes are gentler, with mild antibacterial action at the wound surface.
- What it looks like: yellow, with a distinctive medicinal smell.
- What it is not for: heavily draining, deep, tunnelling or infected wounds.
- What you need with it: an absorbent secondary dressing, tape or wrap, and a change schedule from your healthcare provider.
What is xeroform gauze?
Xeroform gauze is a sterile, fine-mesh dressing impregnated with 3% bismuth tribromophenate in a petrolatum (petroleum jelly) base. That combination gives it two important characteristics:
- A non-adherent surface: the petrolatum coating helps prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound bed, making dressing changes gentler and more comfortable.
- Mild antimicrobial action: bismuth tribromophenate helps reduce bacterial contamination at the wound surface.
The bismuth compound is what gives xeroform its yellow color. It comes sterile, individually packaged, and in a range of sizes. Medline CURAD Sterile Xeroform Gauze is one popular option, and you can browse the full impregnated gauze collection for other types.
What makes it different from standard gauze?
Standard dry gauze is designed to absorb drainage, but as the wound begins to dry, it can stick to newly formed tissue. Removing it may disturb the healing surface, causing discomfort and sometimes slowing the healing process.
Xeroform gauze works differently. Its petrolatum coating helps maintain a moist environment where the dressing touches the wound, allowing it to lift away more easily during dressing changes.
This makes dressing changes more comfortable, protects delicate new tissue, and supports a moist healing environment. For these reasons, healthcare providers often choose xeroform gauze when protecting delicate healing tissue is a priority.
When is xeroform gauze typically used?
Xeroform gauze is commonly selected for wounds where keeping the dressing from sticking is just as important as protecting the wound itself. Depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendations, it may be used for:
- Minor burns, including many superficial and partial-thickness burns.
- Skin graft donor sites, where protecting newly healing skin is especially important. In clinical settings it is also used as a contact layer under a bolster dressing over skin grafts.
- Post-surgical wounds, including certain small incisions and excision sites.
- Abrasions, lacerations and skin tears that benefit from a gentle contact layer.
- Sensitive or high-friction areas, where repeated dressing changes could otherwise cause unnecessary discomfort.
What xeroform gauze is not used for
- Heavily draining wounds, because it has low absorbency. An absorbent secondary dressing is usually needed to manage excess wound drainage.
- Deep or tunnelling wounds, which require specialized wound care products and professional assessment.
- Infected wounds, where medical evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential. The mild antimicrobial properties of xeroform do not replace treatment for an active infection.
- Patients with specific product sensitivities. Always review the product labeling and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations before use.
Using the right dressing for the right type of wound helps support healing and reduces the risk of complications.
How to apply a xeroform gauze dressing
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for your specific wound.
The usual order, from the wound up. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for your wound.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and put on clean nitrile or latex-free gloves.
- Clean the wound with saline or as directed by your healthcare provider, then gently pat the surrounding skin dry with sterile gauze.
- Open the xeroform package using sterile technique, avoiding contact with the dressing surface.
- Place the xeroform gauze directly over the wound, ensuring the entire wound surface is covered.
- Cover it with an absorbent secondary dressing, such as gauze pads, if recommended.
- Secure the dressing with medical tape, making sure it is snug but not tight enough to affect circulation.
- Change the dressing only as directed by your healthcare provider, since the schedule varies depending on the wound type and the amount of drainage.
Prefer a different non-stick layer? Browse our nonadherent pads.
Xeroform vs. Adaptic, petrolatum gauze and Telfa
Several dressings are used as non-stick contact layers, and they are easy to mix up. Here is how they differ:
| Dressing | What it is | Best known for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xeroform gauze | Fine-mesh gauze with 3% bismuth tribromophenate in petrolatum (yellow) | A non-stick layer with mild antibacterial action for burns, graft sites and sensitive wounds | Low absorbency, needs a secondary dressing, distinctive smell, does not treat infection |
| Adaptic non-adhering dressing | Cellulose acetate mesh with a petrolatum emulsion, no bismuth | A non-stick contact layer when a bismuth dressing isn’t needed | Needs a secondary dressing |
| Petrolatum gauze | Gauze coated in plain petrolatum, with no added medication | A simple moist, non-stick layer | No antimicrobial agent |
| Telfa non-adherent pad | An absorbent pad with a perforated film that doesn’t stick | Light-draining wounds, cuts and abrasions | Absorbs more than xeroform but doesn’t add a moist petrolatum layer |
Xeroform gauze: frequently asked questions
▾Does xeroform gauze contain iodine?
No. Xeroform contains bismuth tribromophenate in petrolatum. It is different from iodoform gauze, which does contain iodine.
▾Why is xeroform yellow, and why does it smell?
The yellow color and the distinctive medicinal odor both come from bismuth tribromophenate. The smell comes from the dressing itself. If you notice a new or stronger odor from the wound, or redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain or fever, contact your healthcare provider.
▾How often should a xeroform dressing be changed?
There is no single schedule. It depends on the wound, how much it drains and your provider’s instructions. The absorbent dressing over the xeroform may need changing sooner if it becomes wet or soiled. Don’t leave a dressing in place longer than directed.
▾Can you use xeroform on an open wound?
Xeroform is placed directly on many open, superficial wounds such as abrasions, burns and graft sites, when your provider recommends it. It is not meant for deep, tunnelling, heavily draining or infected wounds.
▾Can you use xeroform on a burn?
It is commonly used on minor, superficial and partial-thickness burns when a provider recommends it. Large, deep or facial burns, and burns in children, need prompt medical care.
▾Is xeroform the same as petrolatum gauze?
No. Plain petrolatum gauze has no added medication. Xeroform adds 3% bismuth tribromophenate, which gives it a mild antibacterial effect and its yellow color.
▾Is xeroform safe during pregnancy?
Information on bismuth tribromophenate dressings in pregnancy is limited. Ask your healthcare provider before using xeroform gauze if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Shop xeroform gauze at Medical Supply Group
Medical Supply Group stocks xeroform gauze in several sizes, along with impregnated gauze, standard gauze, nonadherent pads, medical tape, and other wound care essentials:
More sizes: CURAD xeroform gauze 1" x 8", CURAD xeroform gauze 5" x 9", box of 50 and xeroform petrolatum medicated sterile gauze dressing 4" x 4". You can also explore our complete wound care range.
Need help choosing a dressing?
Our team can help you find the right wound care supplies for your provider’s instructions.
Call (800) 278-0227Shop impregnated gauzePublished by the Medical Supply Group Team | medicalsupplygroup.com
Last reviewed: November 2026
Questions? Call us at (800) 278-0227 or email info@medicalsupplygroup.com
