Silver dressings in clinical practice.

Silver is among several topical antiseptics that are once again gaining popularity due, in part, to the rise of antibiotic-resistant genotypes. Because of differences in wounds and the variety of products--including various silver vehicles--available to treat them, all of the dressing characteristics appropriate for the specific wound being managed must be considered. This article addresses why silver is (and is not) a good choice for particular wounds and offers suggestions about what silver products best serve individual situations.