Actisorb Silver 220 may be used in the treatment of most types of chronic wounds but is particularly recommended for the management of malodorous, infected wounds, including fungating lesions, faecal fistulae, infected pressure sores and heavily exuding leg ulcers. consists principally of activated carbon impregnated with metallic silver produced by a heating a specially treated fine viscose fabric under carefully controlled conditions. The carbonised fabric is enclosed in a sleeve of spun-bonded non-woven nylon, sealed along all four edges, to facilitate handling and reduce particle and fibre loss. When applied to a wound the dressing adsorbs toxins and wound degradation products as well as volatile amines and fatty acids responsible for the production of wound odour. Bacteria present in wound exudate are also attracted to the surface of the dressing where they are killed by the antimicrobial activity of the silver, which is active against a wide range of pathogenic organisms. This action is claimed to reduce the bacterial colonization of the wound and thus inhibit infection without the problems associated with the use of topical antibiotics or antiseptics.
