Why silver?

Silver is a proven antimicrobial in the management of infected wounds and wounds at risk of infection, when used in a protocol of care1-3.

Proactive use of silver dressings “…can inhibit the progression of bacterial penetration and can be effective against MRSA and most other superficial pathogens.”4

LIMITATIONS OF OTHER ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENTS

Some iodine preparations may be:

  • Irritating 5,6
  • Painful to use6
  • Inhibitive to healing7
  • Inactivated by wound exudate8

Silver sulfadiazine can result in:

  • Development of a pseudoeschar8
  • Inflammation2
  • Maceration7
  • Delayed re-epithelialization2,7
  • Frequent reapplications2,8,9
  • Gauze can adhere to wounds, causing pain and trauma to the wound bed upon removal10

References [+]

  1. Lansdown ABG. Silver: Its antibacterial properties and mechanism of action. J Wound Care. 2002; 11(4); 125-130
  2. Demling RH, DeSanti L. Part 1:Effects of silver on wound management. Wounds. 2001;13 (supplA):5-15.
  3. Lansdown ABG.A review of the use of silver in wound care;facts and fallacies. Br J Nurs. 2004;13(suppl):S6-S19
  4. Driver VR. Silver dressings in clinical practice. Ostomy Wound Management. 2004;50(suppl 9A);11S-15S
  5. Tosti A, Vincenzi C, Bardazzi F, Mariani R. Allergic contact dermatitis due to povidone-iodine. ContactDermatitis.1990;23(3):197-198.
  6. Hansson C. The effects of cadexomer iodine paste in the treatment of venous leg ulcers compared with hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. Int J Dermatol.1998;37(5):390-396
  7. Klein DG, Fritsch DE, Amin SG. Wound infection following trauma and burn injuries. Crit Care Nurse Clin N Am. 1995;7(4):627-642.
  8. Monafo WW, West MA. Current treatment recommendations for topical burn therapy. Drugs. 1990;40(3):364-373.
  9. Cutting KF. Wound healing, bacteria and topical therapies. EWMA Journal. 2003;3(1):17-19.
  10. Foster L, Moore P. The application of a cellulose-based fibre dressing in surgical wounds.  J of Wound Care. 1997:6 (10):469-473

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