Iodoform Packing: What It Is & Why Doctors Still Use It

Benefits of Iodoform Packing in Wound Care

What Is Iodoform Packing?

Iodoform packing is a type of gauze impregnated with iodoform, a yellow crystalline antiseptic compound known for its antimicrobial and deodorizing properties. As one of the types of wound dressings used in clinical settings, it’s primarily used to fill deep or tunneling wounds, surgical cavities, and abscesses, helping to absorb exudate, prevent infection, and promote healing from the inside out.

Why Do Doctors Still Use It?

Despite the development of modern dressings and wound care innovations, iodoform packing remains a clinical staple for a few key reasons:

• Proven Infection Control: Iodoform’s antimicrobial action helps reduce bacterial load in contaminated or draining wounds.
  
  

• Encourages Granulation: By keeping wound edges open, it supports proper healing in cases where closure isn’t immediately possible.
  
  

• Cost-Effective and Accessible: It’s affordable, widely available, and requires no high-tech tools to apply.
  
  

• Reliable in Practice: Clinicians trust it because it performs consistently—especially in treating abscesses and post-op cavities.
  
  

When Is It Used?

Doctors typically use iodoform packing for:

• Abscess cavities that require daily dressing changes
  
  

• Post-operative wounds healing by secondary intention
  
  

• Tunneling wounds or wounds with significant depth
  
  

In many cases, iodoform packing is replaced or removed gradually to support progressive healing while maintaining drainage and microbial control.

“In over a decade of wound care practice, I’ve seen high-tech dressings come and go, but iodoform packing continues to earn its place—especially for deep, contaminated wounds. Its simplicity, reliability, and antimicrobial action make it a go-to when healing depends on both drainage and infection control. As part of a comprehensive wound care approach, it’s not just old-school—it’s effective.”

Case Study & Real-World Examples: Iodoform Packing in Practice

Case Study: Post-Op Abscess Treated with Iodoform Packing

Patient: 47-year-old male
Condition: Deep perirectal abscess post-incision and drainage
Wound depth: Approximately 4 cm with active drainage

Why iodoform packing was used:

• Trusted for controlling infection
  
  

• Promotes healing from the base of the wound
  
  

• Affordable, effective, and widely available
  
  

Results with daily packing:

• Inflammation and odor reduced within 3 days
  
  

• Cavity stayed open for proper drainage
  
  

• Healthy granulation tissue formed
  
  

• By two weeks, the wound was clean and healing without secondary infection
  
  

“In deep, draining wounds, iodoform packing is still my go-to. It’s simple, effective, and works with the body’s natural healing process.”

Real-World Example: Iodoform Packing in Rural Clinics

Why it’s still used globally:

• Long shelf life
  
  

• Easy to apply in low-resource settings
  
  

• No need for advanced equipment
  
  

• Supports healing in diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and surgical wounds
  
  

Where it’s commonly used:

• Rural health centers
  
  

• Field hospitals
  
  

• Global outreach and mobile clinics
  
  

Key takeaway:
Iodoform packing continues to deliver reliable results—even where technology is limited.

Supporting Statistics: Why Iodoform Packing Still Matters

FDA Recognizes Iodoform Packing as Safe and Effective

• The FDA approved Dynarex Iodoform Packing Strips as “substantially equivalent” to other cleared medical dressings.
  
  

• This confirms it meets clinical standards for safety and effectiveness.
  
  

• Clinicians trust FDA-backed products for dependable wound care outcomes.
  
  

FDA 510(k) Summary – Dynarex Iodoform Strip

Surgical Reviews Confirm Broad Clinical Use

• A published review highlights iodoform’s continued use in neurosurgery, oral-maxillofacial surgery, and general wound care.
  
  

• Its antimicrobial action makes it ideal for deep or contaminated wounds.
  
  

• It remains a go-to solution when modern dressings aren’t practical.
  
  

Cureus Review on Iodoform Use in Surgery (PDF)

EMS Protocols Include Iodoform in Trauma Care

• Austin-Travis County EMS includes iodoform wound packing in its emergency trauma protocols.
  
  

• It’s used to manage bleeding in penetrating and junctional injuries.
  
  

• Field responders rely on it for fast, effective care without complex tools.
  
  

Austin EMS Medical Directive – Wound Packing (PDF)

Final Thought & Opinion: Why I Still Use Iodoform Packing

Iodoform packing may seem outdated, but in real-world wound care, it still delivers where many modern products fall short.

Here’s why I still reach for it:

• Antimicrobial & effective – Helps prevent infection in deep, draining wounds.
  
  

• Affordable & accessible – Works well in both hospitals and rural clinics.
  
  

• Reliable healing support – Promotes granulation where primary closure isn’t possible.
  
  

First-hand experience:

• I’ve used iodoform packing successfully in post-op cavities, abscesses, and traumatic wounds.
  
  

• I’ve seen it outperform more expensive dressings in high-drainage or contaminated sites.
  
  

• It remains essential in emergency and low-resource settings.
  
  

Bottom line:
Sometimes, simplicity wins. Iodoform packing may not be flashy, but it’s dependable, proven, and still earns a place in my wound care toolkit.

If you’re deciding what works best in complex wounds—don’t overlook it.

Next Steps: What to Do Now

Here’s how to apply what you’ve learned:

• Consult a wound care specialist
  Ask if iodoform packing is right for your condition.
  
  

• Understand usage instructions
  Learn how to pack, change, and monitor wounds safely.
  
  

• Get the correct supplies
  Use sterile gloves, iodoform strips, and clean dressings.
  
  

• Track your healing
  Take notes or photos and report unusual changes.
  
  

• Learn more
  Review product guides, FDA info, or wound care resources.
  
  

• Share this info
  Help others manage wounds by passing this on.