Vaseline® gauze is a type of gauze material coated with Vaseline® petroleum and used for medical purposes. This mesh product is typically used as a dressing for wounds. It is also used to clean cuts, scrapes, burns, and open wounds. As the gauze is suffused with petroleum, Vaseline® gauze is less likely to conform and stick to an open wound.
Gauze products are made to be especially absorbent, allowing a wound good drainage protection when applied as a dressing. In some cases, however, typical sterile gauze may cling and adhere. When removed from the open wound, the gauze may pull or tug at delicate skin layers. This may cause a delay in the healing process or re-open a healing wound. Vaseline® gauze, however, prevents the material from clinging to skin and allows easy removal.
Other types of gauze, when applied as a wound dressing or used for cleansing cuts and burns, may cause damage to the skin or to the underlying tissue. This is especially true with a type of gauze that has saline preparation in the material. This gauze does not contain tissue-damaging chemicals, and is basically safer to use on sensitive skin. Of course, skin types may vary and some individuals may have allergy issues with this type of gauze. Therefore, it is best to test a small area of skin before using any new product if the individual is uncertain of how his body may react.
Vaseline® gauze also may provide adequate hydration to skin that has become excessively dry or is peeling. This infused gauze dressing can help replenish moisture and rehydrate the skin. In most cases, physicians will recommend changing the gauze every couple of days. If the dressing becomes wet, however, doctors recommend changing it daily.
A non-irritating dressing may be necessary for those who wish to keep a blister covered. In such a case, Vaseline® gauze may be helpful. If a doctor recommends the patient cover a blister with a sterile cloth, choosing this type of non-adherent mesh dressing may be suitable. When a blister bursts, drainage may occur, and gauze can help absorb the moisture. At the same time, gauze that is infused with petroleum will prevent the blistered skin from ripping.
Vaseline® gauze or medicated gauze is not typically recommended for use on infants. For older children, it's best to consult with a pediatrician. As with any item, if irritation from using this type of gauze should occur, it is recommended to discontinue using the product.