AQUACEL Ag Hydrofiber Dressing, Square, 5x5cm, box of 10

Antimicrobial dressings play an important role in wound care but should only be used after careful assessment by your clinician. Antimicrobial dressings are indicated for infected wounds. Antimicrobial dressings have substances with antiseptic activity, which weaken and slow the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms - this antiseptic activity helps prevent the bacteria from causing further infection.  It has not been confirmed that bacteria develop immunity (resistance) to antiseptics with extended antiseptic use. Some antiseptics may delay the healing process and worsen a wound's condition. However, new technological advances resulted in products that cause less harm to the wound and are excellent at destroying germs. These include antiseptics such as silver, cadexomer iodine, polyhexamethyl biguanide (PHMB) and honey. Below is a summary of how some of these agents work:

• Silver is effective against many types of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Frequent use can cause some discoloration on the skin around the wound. If absorbed by internal organs it may impair their function. Silver is not recommended for prolonged use as silver may inhibit epithelialization with long term use (>4 weeks).
• Honey: Manuka honey is thought to have antimicrobial and cleaning properties. Products are available as sheet dressings or as topical applications. Topical applications are applied directly to the wound and are covered with a wound dressing; an additional secondary dressing may be required for wounds with large amounts of fluid. Some individuals experience a stinging sensation when Manuka honey is applied. Manuka honey should not be applied on individuals with hypersensitivity to honey. According to manufacturers, it can be used on persons with diabetes, as it does not alter levels of blood sugar.
• Iodine: Slow-release iodine-based dressings are effective against wound infection. They should not be used on persons with: known or suspected iodine sensitivity, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, non-toxic nodular goitre, children and pregnant or lactating women. Iodine may be absorbed by the internal organs, especially when large wounds are treated. Iodine dressings have a maximum dosage and maximum length of time over which they can be used. Manufacturers’ instructions should be followed.

• O’Meara S, Al-Kurdi D, Ologun Y, Ovington LG, Martyn-St James M, Richardson R. Antibiotics and antiseptics for venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Jan 10;(1)
• Antimicrobials Made Easy. Wounds International 2011; Volume 2; Issue 1: Available from http://www.woundsinternational.com
  
  

If you have coverage through Medicare Part  and your condition meets Medicare requirements for coverage, you may be eligible to have this product covered by Medicare. Not all antimicrobial dressings are covered by Medicare. If it is covered, you will need a written order prescribed by a provider enrolled in Medicare, so that you can purchase this product at a Durable Medical Equipment store that accepts Medicare. You will need to pay deductibles and co-payment. The actual co-payment amount varies according to your state. If you do not have Medicare Part B or do not meet the requirements needed for coverage, you can find this product at pharmacies and medical supply stores. When available, please see pricing in "Other Stores" below.