What are the properties of paraffin gauze dressings?
• Open mesh, cotton, rayon, viscose or gauze
• Impregnated with white or soft paraffin and / or medicated antiseptic
In what forms are they produced?
• Sheets in a variety of sizes
• Some dressings are impregnated with antiseptics e.g. chlorhexidine or povidine iodine
When should I use them?
• Low to moderate exuding wounds including: - Clean superficial wounds - Split thickness skin grafts - Minor burns
• Paraffin gauze dressings impregnated with antiseptics should only be used with clinical signs of infection if the person has the appropriate antibiotic coverage. The antiseptic contained in medicated paraffin gauze dressings is usually not in high enough quantities to result in antimicrobial effect and you would therefore need to consider an alternative product
When should I avoid using them?
• Some paraffin gauze dressings may leave paraffin or fibres in the wound which may act as a foreign body and resulting in delayed wound healing.
When should I stop?
• If the dressing is adhering to the wound surface
• The patient is experiencing pain or discomfort
ADVANTAGES
Reduces adhesion & allows nontraumatic removal
Provides a moist environment that facilitates epithelial cell migration
