Helo please: Iodoform packing!

[RN4life08]

Is it ok to change iodoform packed wound every other day if wound has minimal draining?

[RN4life08]

Is it ok to change iodoform dressing every other day if wound has minimal drainage?

[carl5480]

I probably wouldn't be using iodoform at all after the initial dressing. Iodoform, while it does have antimicrobial properties, has recently been shown to discourage tissue growth. I think you'll find that most surgeons and wound care specialists are trending away from using iodoform at all after the initial I&D or surgery. Many don't use it ever, as there are other options available.

Is it on a wound that had a known infection? In which case you probably want to change the dressing at least daily. If there has been no evidence of infection, see above - iodoform is probably not your ideal choice. A plain packing strip would be more appropriate, with or without the addition of an antimicrobial agent like silver (for example).

Where is the wound? Acute or chronic? Necrotic wound bed vs. clean vs. granulating? I know you're after an answer to a general question, but all of the above really does make a difference in what dressing you use and how often you change it.

[RN4life08]

Wound bed is clean...pt had I&D of an abscess on her left buttocks.