Understanding SilvaSorb Gel: Uses and Benefits

Research has shown that SilvaSorb gel is an effective treatment method to reduce pain and enhance healing for certain wound types.

Wound care is constantly evolving. Just 20 years ago, you could choose from only a few types of dressing products, and clinicians still commonly ordered wet-to-dry dressings.

Today, there are numerous wound care dressings and treatments for every situation imaginable. This can be exciting and confusing at the same time. As wound care clinicians, we want what is best for our patients, and if there is something that can heal that difficult wound, we want to try it.

However, sometimes, it is easy to forget about some simpler methods for dressing wounds. Here we will explore one of those seemingly simple treatment options — SilvaSorb gel.

What is SilvaSorb gel?

SilvaSorb gel is a water-based, amorphous gel with an active ingredient known as ionic silver. This hydrogel dressing is latex free and does not harm intact, granulating, and epithelializing tissue. However, do not use this product on patients who may have a sensitivity to silver.

When applied to a wound bed, the ionic silver control-releases into the wound, creating an antimicrobial effect. You can use this gel to control bioburden and treat local infections, aiming to prevent the infection from worsening.

In certain situations, this gel may be chosen to treat local infections in place of oral antibiotics. This is beneficial as it decreases side effects from oral antibiotics as well as reduces the ever-present issue of antibiotic resistance.

Common SilvaSorb gel uses in wound care

SilvaSorb gel can be used on many wound etiologies. And although this product is an antimicrobial treatment, it can also provide hydration to the wound. When the gel covers the wound bed, it can seep into crevices as well as cover wounds with varying levels of depth.

Here are a few wounds that can be treated with SilvaSorb gel:

Pressure injuries

SilvaSorb gel can be used with all stages of pressure injuries. Due to its antimicrobial benefits, it is a good option for infected wounds as well as pressure injuries at risk of infection, such as wounds on the tailbone or buttocks.

Venous ulcers

The use of SilvaSorb gel on venous stasis ulcers is less common due to the risk of overhydrating the wound and macerating the periwound. Since venous stasis ulcers are commonly higher output wounds, take care when using a wound hydrating treatment.

Arterial ulcers

This ulcer etiology typically has a dryer wound bed with no to minimal drainage. This makes the choice to use SilvaSorb gel appropriate for open arterial ulcers. As always, protect and keep stable dry eschar on heels and toes to prevent infection and wound deterioration until a vascular specialist evaluates the patient.

Diabetic wounds

You can use this treatment on neuropathic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, which often have some level of arterial involvement as a secondary cause. With these wounds, be mindful of dry eschar on the heel and toes (like with arterial ulcers) until the patient undergoes a thorough vascular assessment.

Traumatic wounds

SilvaSorb gel can be beneficial on traumatic wounds as these are often at high risk of infection. A hydrating gel is particularly useful for traumatic wounds as it can decrease pain in the wound bed. Remember that dressing changes to these wound types can be painful and time-consuming, as you must remove dressings extra carefully and slowly. Keeping the wound bed moist with frequent dressing changes and a hydrating gel can decrease pain and make dressing changes a faster and more comfortable process. The antimicrobial property of SilvaSorb gel is an added bonus for patients with traumatic wounds.

Surgical wounds

You can apply SilvaSorb gel to healing, open surgical wounds that are intended to close through secondary or tertiary intention.

Burns

SilvaSorb gel can be used on first- and second-degree burns. The antimicrobial properties in this product make it a good choice for burn wounds, as infection is the leading complication of burns. According to research from the National Institute of Health (NIH), invasive infection is responsible for 51% of deaths in burn patients. Although infection in a first-degree burn is rare, identifying and controlling infection in second-degree burns is critical.

Using this product and what makes it effective

The antimicrobial action in SilvaSorb gel is good for up to three days. After three days, cleanse the wound and reapply fresh SilvaSorb gel. This will also help replenish the moisture in the wound bed. Avoid using heavy moisture-wicking products like foams and superabsorbers for a secondary dressing. This helps keep the gel in the wound bed rather than in the dressing.

Appropriate secondary dressings include bordered gauze, hydrocolloid, and film dressings. These dressings are unable to control large amounts of drainage and will macerate the wound edges if not used appropriately.

Because SilvaSorb is a hydrogel, it is important to remember it is not appropriate to use on high-drainage wounds. It is also unnecessary to use a large amount of this product, as the body’s warmth will thin and spread topical applications. Overuse of the gel can overpower your secondary dressing and lead to macerated edges and periwound skin. In addition, silver wound care dressings are generally not necessary for clean, noninfected wounds and may actually slow the healing process.

And with that, always use silver products in moderation to protect newly proliferating cells and be mindful not to “stack” silver dressings.

Final thoughts

Although SilvaSorb gel may not be the best option for every wound, you should consider it a valuable tool in your wound care arsenal and not overlook it when choosing an appropriate treatment. However, as always, a thorough assessment of the wound and the patient is necessary before deciding on the most suitable option. SilvaSorb gel can help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing in wounds that need moisture and antimicrobial protection.