bismuth tribromophenolate + petrolatum

A combination topical wound dressing comprised of **bismuth tribromophenolate (also referred to as bismuth tribromophenate) at 3%** and **petrolatum (petroleum jelly)**, usually applied as an impregnated mesh gauze. The best-known commercial name is **Xeroform**. This dressing is used for its **occlusive, non-adherent barrier properties** to maintain wound moisture, prevent desiccation, and protect against mechanical trauma. **Bismuth tribromophenolate**—a halogenated phenol-metal complex—has demonstrated *bacteriostatic* and deodorizing properties in vitro, potentially disrupting microbial metabolic processes by releasing bismuth ions, although clinical studies suggest that antimicrobial efficacy in the Xeroform petrolatum preparation is limited. **Petrolatum** forms the main occlusive, nonadherent base, supporting a moist wound-healing environment. **Primary uses** (indications): superficial or partial-thickness burns, donor and graft sites, abrasions, lacerations, surgical wounds, and wounds healing by secondary intention. The dressing is valued for biocompatibility, patient comfort (due to non-adherence), flexibility to body contours, ease of removal, and ability to be produced inexpensively from basic components.

Brand names

Xeroform

Other names

bismuth tribromophenate + petrolatumpetrolatum + bismuth tribromophenatebismuth tribromophenate petroleum gauzebismuth tribromophenolate petroleum gauze