As part of a growing trend in silver-based bandage usage, two wound dressing makers, Curad and Johnson & Johnson, both have recently introduced products into this growing field.
U.S.-based Beiersdorf, maker of Curad bandages, is marketing a line of wound-care products using silver as a natural antibacterial.
The new Curad Silver Bandage line uses silver in the wound pad to help protect minor cuts, scrapes, abrasions, lacerations and scalds. Curad Silver Natural Antibacterial Bandages are available in assorted sizes and come in an “active gel” variety that promises multi-day holding ability.
Curad Silver is worn like any other bandage, company officials say, without the addition of an antibacterial cream or ointment. The retail price is US$3.55 per box of Silver Bandages and US$4.95 per box of Silver Gel Bandages.
For the health-care professional market, Johnson & Johnson has introduced their Silvercel antimicrobial alginate dressing, providing the protection of silver and the absorption of alginate. Alginate dressings are highly absorbent, biodegradable bandages made from seaweed. They keep wounds moist, which not only promotes healing but limits damage during dressing changes.
According to company officials, Silvercel can be especially helpful in the healing of chronic, hard-to-heal wounds that may be infected as a result of high levels of bacteria. Because of a sustained release of silver ions, the dressing acts as an effective barrier and may help reduce infection. Silver’s antimicrobial properties are built-in through the use of X-static Silver Fibers, from Noble Fiber Technologies, which have a layer of silver permanently bonded to the surface of textiles. The material is also used in socks and other clothing to prevent odour from bacteria.
— The preceding is an excerpt from Silver News, a quarterly publication of the Washington, D.C.-based Silver Institute.
Be the first to comment on "Healing with silver"