When Should silver dressings be used?
When Should silver dressings be used?
Silver dressings may be used on acute wounds, such as traumatic wounds (including burns) or surgical wounds, and chronic wounds that present with localised (overt or covert), spreading or systemic infection (Figure 1).
Why are silver dressings used?
Indications. Silver dressings may be used as primary or secondary dressings to manage minimal, moderate, or heavy exudate in acute and chronic wounds, including burns, surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and leg ulcers. Silver dressings may also be used under compression.
What does silver do for a wound?
In other words, Dr. Ovington explains that silver impregnated products, which provide a sustained release of positively charged silver ions at the wound surface, can promote wound healing and decrease infection by killing bacteria.
When should you not use silver dressing?
If the signs and symptoms of wound infection are no longer present, the silver dressing should be discontinued (International Consensus Group, 2012). If there is no improvement, the silver dressing should be discontinued and the treatment regimen reassessed (International Consensus Group, 2012).
Can you use normal saline with silver dressings?
Despite possible theoretical disadvantages, water has to be considered when a product licence states that 0.9% saline cannot be used, for example when using Acticoat silver dressings. Sterile water can be used as long as a task is performed efficiently and without exposing or immersing the wound unnecessarily.
Are silver dressings cytotoxic?
Wound dressings with silver have been shown to be cytotoxic in vitro.
Can bacteria develop permanent immunity to silver dressings?
It is important not to use these products when infection is not present, or where there is no significant clinical risk of infection14, since some antimicrobial dressings can result in damage to healthy tissue20, 21.
How long can silver alginate stay on wound?
In general, the life of an alginate dressing is 3 days, although some dressings can be left in place for as long as 7 days. If the wound is highly exudative, the life of the dressing will be shortened. And if an alginate is being used for an infected wound, it should be changed frequently.
What do doctors use to disinfect wounds?
rinse the wound under running tap water for 5 to 10 minutes. soak a gauze pad or cloth in saline solution or tap water, or use an alcohol-free wipe, and gently dab or wipe the skin with it – don’t use antiseptic as this may damage the skin.
