Challenge Biomedical Science –
Nanotechnology
Elastoplast Silverhealing
Questions and Answers about Elastoplast SilverHealing™
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ANTISEPTIC ACTION OF SILVER?
Silver as used in Elastoplast® plasters is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. These plasters contain silver ions in
the wound pad.
HOW ARE SILVER IONS RELEASED IN THE ELASTOPLAST® PLASTERS?
On coming into contact with moisture (such as wound exudate and blood), silver ions are slowly but continuously
released from the wound pad, and migrate into the wound.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Silver ions are highly active and rapidly penetrate bacterial membranes. They interact with enzymes and other protein
in bacteria, destroying the cell structure and preventing reproduction across a broad spectrum of bacteria.
DOES SILVER KILL GOOD BACTERIA AS WELL?
Yes, silver as a broad spectrum antiseptic agent kills nearly all bacteria. This however, has neither a negative effect on
the wound-healing process, nor has it a negative effect on the general health situation of a person.
Challenge Biomedical Science –
Nanotechnology
Questions and Answers continued.
IS SILVER USED IN HOSPITALS?
Yes. In the hospital environment there are numerous examples of silver dressings being used for wound management.
These products are mainly used for the treatment of chronic wounds and severe burns.
IS SILVERHEALING SUITABLE TO USE ON BURNS?
For everyday burns around the home Elastoplast® and dressings can be used. However, if the burn is severe or you
are not sure, you should see your doctor.
IS ELASTOPLAST® TOXIC?
Due to the extremely low silver concentrations, the Elastoplast® range is non-toxic and silver ions are not absorbed
by the body or bloodstream. Silver ions from Elastoplast® have no systemic effects upon the body.
WHY DO WE SAY NOT TO USE CREAMS OR OINTMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELASTOPLAST®
PLASTERS?
Creams and ointments create a layer between the wound pad and the wound. This layer acts like a barrier that
prevents the silver ions from migrating into the wound. This reduces the action of the silver wound pad to the function
of a standard plaster as the antiseptic process cannot take place.
WHY IS IT BETTER TO USE A SILVER WOUND CARE PRODUCT INSTEAD OF A WOUND ANTISEPTIC AND AN
ORDINARY PLASTER?
Using an antiseptic has a one-off antiseptic effect on the wound. Any bacteria that have not been killed in the initial
process can however continue to grow. The silver wound care-technology has a long lasting antiseptic effect that will
prevent this growth of bacteria to help the wound heal optimally.
WHAT IS SILVER ALLERGY?
Silver allergy or argyria is a condition upon which silver is deposited in the skin, manifested as slate-grey
pigmentation. It is usually as a result of industrial exposure or following ingestion of silver salts. It is an extremely
rare condition. Only a few recorded cases exists which were from people who were constantly exposed to silver - for
example, from silversmiths or workers in silver mines or early photo laboratories.
CAN ELASTOPLAST® CAUSE SILVER ALLERGY?
A study on 200 representative human volunteers were subject to a well known internationally recognised sensitivity
test, known as the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test. This test showed that Elastoplast® plasters did not show any
evidence of irritation or allergic contact sensitisation. Most people who believe they have a "silver allergy" are actually
reacting to nickel, which is often contained in silver jewellery.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY ADVERSE REACTION REPORTS ON ELASTOPLAST®?
No adverse reactions directly attributable to Elastoplast® have been reported to date.