How do silver wound dressings work?
A silver wound dressing contains ionic silver, which is slowly released into the wound when the dressing comes into contact with bacteria or exudate. This helps reduce inflammation, treats existing infection, and prevents new infection from forming.
Additional Information
Silver antimicrobial dressings are used for the treatment of infected wounds. The ionic silver kills bacteria and helps heal wounds faster than bandages without ionic silver. Silver dressings are typically kept on the wound longer than other types of dressings, up to two weeks. This reduces the amount of times you have to change the dressing. Silver bandages are often used to treat burns, ulcers, and surgical wounds. Be sure to talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your wound.
Silver dressings are available in the form of foam dressings, wound gels, hydrofiber, and more.Silver foam dressings are soft silicone pads that are impregnated with ionic silver. This type of bandage keeps the wound moist to facilitate healing. It can be secured using a bandage wrap. Silver wound gel is a clear viscous hydrogel that delivers moisture where it is needed while still absorbing excess exudate. It is a primary dressing and works best when combined with a secondary dressing over top to keep the gel in place. Hydrofiber dressings consist of a soft absorbent fabric that turns into a gel when it comes into contact with wound exudate. The unique structure contours to the wound bed and reduces maceration.
