Silver dressings are an integral part of Wound Management. They are used to treat infected wounds and can reduce the bacterial load in the wound. They are available in a variety of presentations such as Foams and Alginates.
Although expensive, these dressings are effective and a useful addition to oral/intravenous antibiotic treatment which may not achieve therapeutic levels in the wound area especially in patients with poor circulation.
How Does It Work?
When Silver dressings come in contact with exudate, positive charged silver ions (Ag+) are released. The silver ions bind to bacterial cell membranes causing cell death.
Silver exerts its antimicrobial action in the following ways
• Silver ions are released into the wound upon contact with exudate and kill the bacteria
• Exudate is absorbed into the dressing