[OURN83]

Ok, I hope this isn't a really dumb question so forgive me for not knowing anything about nursing yet, I start nursing school in January. Anyhow, I am taking a microbiology class and have just learned about what silver is and how it is used to treat infections. Well I found an article about the use of a silver bandage to be used for burn patients as it keeps bacteria away for 24 hours. Is this a new use for you or has it been around for a while? Thanks

[sirI]

Originally Posted by OURN83

Ok, I hope this isn't a really dumb question so forgive me for not knowing anything about nursing yet, I start nursing school in January. Anyhow, I am taking a microbiology class and have just learned about what silver is and how it is used to treat infections. Well I found an article about the use of a silver bandage to be used for burn patients as it keeps bacteria away for 24 hours. Is this a new use for you or has it been around for a while? Thanks

Hello, OURN83,:Melody:

Yes, there are dressings inpregnated with the metal. Has wonderful antibiotic properties.

Here is a link about it:

http://www.cummings.com/articles/nucryst.htm

[OURN83]

I guess I was thinking that was a new thing! I am supposed to do a quick, informal presentation about something related to bacteria and it has to be about something recent. Let me know if this is old news!

[sirI]

Originally Posted by OURN83

I guess I was thinking that was a new thing! I am supposed to do a quick, informal presentation about something related to bacteria and it has to be about something recent. Let me know if this is old news!

Hello, OURN83,

The foam is relatively new, so, it is not old news there. But, silver has been known to have antibiotic-like properties for years. In fact, silver was utilized in wounds caused from burns centuries ago.

[suebird3]

Doesn't Silvadene have Silver in it? If so, I would rather use the bandages. Silvadene is soooooo messy!

Suebird

[MikeRN1]

Actually, silver is supposed to be the new "buzzword" in wound care. It has been used on wounds forever but is making a comeback like many other "old" treatments (maggots, leeches, honey, etc). From what I can find, silver has a bacteriostatic, not bacteriocidal, property. The new V.A.C. silver impregnated foam should be out next year from what I hear. Hope this helps.
Mike

[emilyerin]

Originally Posted by MikeRN1

The new V.A.C. silver impregnated foam should be out next year from what I hear. Hope this helps.
Mike

I just attended an inservice on WoundV.A.C. at my hospital and they have already started using the silver-impregnated foam for some patients. It's pretty amazing stuff!