Silver Wound Dressing
Silver dressings used for centuries as a preservative for liquid storage and to treat and prevent wound infection silver dressings are potent anti microbials.
Silver wound dressing. Wound dressings containing silver sulfadiazine or silver nanomaterials may be used on external infections. Why use silver dressings. The silver is activated from the dressing to the wound s surface based on the amount of exudate and bacteria in the wound.
Silver dressings can be very effective for wounds that are infected or wounds harboring large numbers of bacteria that have stalled in the healing process. The increasing problem of antibiotic resistance along with concerns about the safety and toxicity of topical antiseptics has resulted in the need for an agent that can be used to treat colonised and infected wounds effectively. Silver dressings for wounds provide sustained release of silver over several days.
The limited evidence available shows that silver coatings on endotracheal breathing tubes may reduce the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia. These products release a steady amount of silver to the wound and provide antimicrobial or antibacterial action. The medical uses of silver include its use in wound dressings creams and as an antibiotic coating on medical devices.
Silver dressings are wound coverings that have been infused with silver ions. These specialized bandages have proved to be highly effective at destroying some antibiotic resistant bacteria and other bacterial species prevalent in hospital settings. Silver is an antimicrobial that has stood the test of time.
This reduces frequency of dressing change thus making these dressings cost effective. The active agent silver ions are effective in killing microbes instantly by blocking the respiratory enzyme system whilst remaining non toxic to human tissue. In addition silver infused dressings do not need to be changed as frequently as standard wound covers.
When used appropriately silver dressings are cost effective and safe to use and can significantly reduce wound bioburden.