Management of Chronic Wounds: The Role of Silver-containing Dressings

Abstract

The last few years has seen an increasing interest in the area of topical antimicrobial dressings. In particular, dressings containing silver are being developed at a rapid rate. The use of silver-containing dressings is escalating and they are now widely utilised on many types of wounds. In particular, silver-containing dressings can be a valuable component of wound bed preparation and the management of chronic wounds. This paper examines the current literature on silver-containing dressings. Implications for practice are discussed and two protocols for use of silver-containing dressings in practice are proposed. Many questions regarding the use of silver-containing dressings remain unanswered and this paper suggests directions for future research to assist clinicians to achieve optimal, economically sustainable client outcomes.