Topical antimicrobial dressings are used to prevent and manage infections in a wide range of wounds. Silver, as a topical antimicrobial agent, has been used in wound care for over hundreds of years. The active agents, silver ions, are effective in killing microbes instantly by blocking the respiratory enzyme system whilst remaining non-toxic to surrounding tissues.
The silver component of the dressings may appear in the following forms:
The delivery vehicle or platform is equally important to ensure that the sustainability and efficacy of the antimicrobial (such as silver) can be maintained. So, a variety of silver dressings for wound care are available, including, foam, hydrogels, alginates, hydro fiber, hydrocolloids, and polymeric films. For instance, the Silvasorb Silver Antimicrobial Wound Gel is ideal for lightly draining infected wounds. It combines the antimicrobial benefits of silver with the moisturizing benefits of a hydrogel. The Molnlycke Mepilex Ag Antimicrobial Foam Dressing is used for the treatment of medium-exuding chronic or acute wounds which are infected. It is a combination of the silver’s antimicrobial action and the Safetec technology that rescues pain and skin damage during dressing change.
A wide range of non-antimicrobial wound dressings is being used for managing non-infected chronic wounds. They promote wound healing by generating and maintaining a moist environment. Alginate wound dressings are the best example that are used in the management of exudating wounds. The Systagenix Silvercel Silver Alginate Wound Dressing is meant for exudating infected chronic wounds. Its antimicrobial action, fluid absorbing capacity, and high wet tensile strength enable the correct management of chronic wounds.
Antimicrobials, such as silver are incorporated into the alginate wound dressing for treating at-risk or infected chronic wounds. Alginate wound dressings impregnated with silver have significant benefits in wound care. It ensures the bioavailability of silver at the wound site for a long period of time. This minimizes the nursing time, thus cutting down the healthcare cost. Alginate wound care also reduces the patient’s discomfort which is common during dressing change. Also, silver-containing alginate wound dressings are effective against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. Ferris PolyMem MAX Silver Dressings for infected wounds are the best suited for heavy exudating wounds requiring a long dressing wear time. They contain a mild, non-toxic tissue-friendly cleansing agent, which maintains a clean wound bed.
Thus, silver alginate dressing uses a combination of highly absorbent characteristics of alginate dressings and antimicrobial efficacy of silver bandages. This makes them particularly beneficial in the management of highly exuding wounds.
Silver alginate dressings are best for:
Silver alginate dressing should not be used in the following cases:
At HPFY, we have a wide range of silver alginate wound dressings that play a critical role in wound management and help in preventing infections from most types of bacteria. We have listed five of the best silver alginate dressings for 2020.
Cardinal Health Silver Alginate and CMC Wound Dressing offer antimicrobial properties that help deter infections in wounds for up to 14 days. This dressing is effective against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Epidermis (MRSE) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE). It is also ideal for postoperative wounds, trauma wounds, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.
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Safe N Simple Simpurity Silver Alginate Wound Dressing is made of natural fibers derived from seaweed. The dressing absorbs exudates and forms a gel-like covering over the wound, maintaining a moist environment for wound healing. The gel-like surface also keeps the dressing from adhering to the wound so it promotes painless removal. This feature makes dressing changes easier and saves time for both the patient and health care professional.
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Hollister CalciCare Calcium Silver Alginate Dressing is a sterile, reinforced non-woven alginate dressing composed of a high G (guluronic acid) calcium/sodium alginate. It is highly absorbent with improved wet strength. Calcium Alginate Silver Dressing is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms through recommended wear time.
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Abena Silver Calcium Alginate Dressing is made of natural fibers derived from seaweed. Silver Calcium Alginate Dressing is designed to be highly absorbent and form a gel-like covering over the wound, helping to maintain a moist environment that promotes wound healing. The gel-like surface also helps keep the dressing from adhering to the wound, which aids to minimize discomfort upon removal.
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Systagenix Silvercel Antimicrobial Alginate Dressing is a non-woven, sterile pad composed of high G (guluronic acid) alginate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and silver-coated nylon fibers. Its unique composition is designed to manage exudate and help control infected or heavily colonized wounds. Antimicrobial action, excellent fluid handling capacity and high wet tensile strength make Silvercel Antimicrobial Dressing suitable for the management of chronic wounds.
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