A renewed look at silver dressings for wound infections: Ag Oxysalts technology

Br J Community Nurs. 2021 Sep 1;26(Sup9):S26-S36. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2021.26.Sup9.S26.

Abstract

Wound infection is an important complicating factor in the wound healing process, and infections can be even more complex and difficult to manage in the case of wounds with biofilms. Silver has been used to treat infected wounds for a long time now, and the strength of the product depends on the number of Ag ions, where the greater the number of ions, the higher and faster the reactivity is. Ag Oxysalts technology-used in 3M Kerracontact Ag dressing-has three times more ions than standard silver dressings. The technology also does not show the typical disadvantages of silver, such as cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity. This article discusses the use of Ag Oxysalts technology for infected wounds and presents case studies to support the efficacy of this product in promoting wound healing.

Keywords: Ag Oxysalts technology; Antimicrobial resistance; Silver dressings; Silver toxicity; Wound infection.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use*
  • Bandages*
  • Burns
  • Humans
  • Silver / therapeutic use*
  • Technology
  • Wound Infection / therapy*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Silver