How safe is silver in wound care?

J Wound Care. 2004 Apr;13(4):131-6. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2004.13.4.26596.

Abstract

Use of silver in burns, chronic ulcers and diabetic ulcers can lead to circulatory absorption and deposits in wound sites, liver, kidney and other organs. Despite this, the risks of lasting tissue damage or functional disorders are low.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use*
  • Bandages
  • Burns / drug therapy
  • Burns / nursing
  • Humans
  • Silver Nitrate / pharmacokinetics
  • Silver Nitrate / therapeutic use*
  • Silver Sulfadiazine / pharmacokinetics
  • Silver Sulfadiazine / therapeutic use*
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Absorption
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Wound Healing / drug effects
  • Wounds and Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Wounds and Injuries / nursing

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Silver Nitrate
  • Silver Sulfadiazine