Silver Dressings

Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Dressings

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 burns and wound care for hundreds of years. The active agent, silver ions, are effective in killing microbes instantly. They do this by blocking the respiratory enzyme system, while remaining non-toxic to surrounding tissues. Silver is found in dressings in several forms:

• Elemental silver, such as, silver metal, nanocrystalline silver
• An inorganic compound, such as, silver oxide, silver phosphate, silver chloride, silver sulfate, silver-calcium-sodium phosphate, etc.
• An organic complex, such as, silver alginate, silver-zinc allantoinate, etc.

How does Silver heal wounds?

Silver, in its elemental form, is non-reactive and cannot kill bacteria. To become bactericidal, elemental silver has to be ionized. This happens when it is exposed to an aqueous environment such as wound exudate. Silver ions are highly reactive and affect multiple sites within bacterial cells, leading to death of bacterial cells. They bind to the bacterial cell membranes causing disruption of the bacterial cell wall, cell leakage and interfering with energy production, enzyme function and cell replication. Silver ions are active against a wide spectrum of bacteria, fungi and viruses, including many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

As per various studies conducted, only a small proportion of silver in a dressing is involved in the antimicrobial action. Most of it remain within the dressing or binds itself to the protein in the wound or wound debris. Very little is systemically absorbed, and even if so, it is excreted in faeces and urine. It is never absorbed into the nervous system.

The Systagenix Actisorb 220 Activated Charcoal Dressing has silver encased in a nylon sleeve. It not only traps the wound malodor, but also protects the wound against infection.

Systagenix Actisorb 220 Activated Charcoal Dressing with Silver

What are Silver Alginate Dressings?

A wide range of non-antimicrobial wound dressing 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 Antimicrobial Alginate 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. It 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.

Thus, silver alginate dressings are a combination of a highly absorbent characteristic of alginate and antimicrobial efficacy of silver. This makes them particularly beneficial in the management of highly exuding wounds.

When to use Silver Dressings?

Silver cell dressings are best for:

• Acute wounds, such as surgical or traumatic wounds and burns;
• Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, arterial leg/foot ulcers; the Medline SilvaSorb Antimicrobial Wound Gel, is best meant for such conditions. Its properties manage bacterial burden, give prolonged antimicrobial protection, advanced fluid management and extended wear time. At the same time, it is non-staining and gentle for the patient.
• Systemic infection, involving severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction.
• In cases of infected acute or chronic wounds obstructed from healing by microorganisms, a silver dressing reduces bioburden.
• In cases of acute or chronic wounds at a high risk of infection or re-infection, a silver dressing acts as an antimicrobial barrier.

The Molnlycke Mepilex Ag Absorbent Antimicrobial Foam Dressing with Safetac Technology, best addresses these requirements. It involves antimicrobial action which reduces bioburden in infected acute or chronic wounds. It also acts as an antimicrobial barrier in wounds at a high risk of infection or re-infection. This also contains a foul odor. The Safetac technology minimizes pain and skin damage at dressing changes.

Molnlycke Mepilex Ag Antimicrobial Foam Dressing

Likewise, the Medline Maxorb Extra Ag Silver Alginate Antimicrobial Flat Rope Wound Dressing, provides antimicrobial protection up to 21 days. The fluid does not wick laterally as the wound exudate mixes with the dressing to form a gel.

Medline Maxorb Extra Ag Silver Alginate Antimicrobial Flat Rope Wound Dressing

When not to use Silver Wound Dressings?

Silver alginate dressing should not be used in the following cases:

• No symptoms of localized, spreading or systemic infection
• Surgical/small acute wounds at low risk of infection
• Chronic wounds healing as per comorbidities and age
• Patients sensitive to silver or any of the dressing components
• During pregnancy or lactation and
• When contraindicated by the manufacturer

Whilst, the merits of using silver in wound management cannot be negated, it is known to have some side effects. These include maceration, irritant, or allergic contact dermatitis. There have been rare instances of acute hemolytic anemia or transient leukopenia and electrolyte imbalance.

 

Where to buy Silver Dressings for Wound Care?

Health Products For You offers a wide range of Silver wound dressings and more at the most affordable prices. HPFY is online since 2002 to cater to its vast global clientele. Our customer-centric approach and easily reachable customer support have made us popular and trustworthy amongst our clients. Shop with HPFY and get exclusive discounts on all your purchases.  

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