The use of silver barrier dressings on wounds can also help to destroy MRSA and prevent cross infection. The antibacterial properties of silver have been recognised for centuries and in recent years, with the rise of MRSA, attention has focused on the use of silver dressings.

One particular type of unique silver dressing, called Acticoat, uses state of the art technology to provide a coating of microscopic particles of silver (called Nanocrystalline** silver).

Laboratory tests have shown that Acticoat dressings can destroy MRSA and other bacteria in as little as 30 minutes. They provide an effective barrier against infection for between three and seven days, depending upon the type of dressing used. This can help to clear the infection in the patient and also reduces the risk of other patients being infected with MRSA and other bacteria. In some cases, this can avoid the need for patients to be isolated.

Acticoat dressings may also promote faster healing and are often used in patients who have problems such as burns, ulcers or injuries that have failed to heal using conventional dressings.

** Nanocrystalline silver is a patented technology of NUCRYST
Pharmaceuticals Corp