Silver News

Curad, Johnson & Johnson Introduce Silver Bandages

As part of a growing trend in silver-based bandage usage, two wound dressing makers, Curad and Johnson & Johnson, both have recently introduced products into this growing field.

Beiersdorf USA, maker of Curad bandages, is marketing a line of wound-care products using silver as a natural antibacterial: Curad Silver.

The new Curad Silver Bandage line uses silver in the wound pad to help protect minor cuts, scrapes, abrasions, lacerations and scalds. Curad Silver Natural Antibacterial Bandages are available as Assorted Bandages, Extra Large Bandages and Active Gel Bandages which promise multi-day holding ability.   Curad Silver is worn like any other bandage, company officials say, without the addition of an antibacterial cream or ointment.

The retail price is $3.55 per box of Silver Bandages and $4.95 per box of Silver Gel Bandages.

For the health care professional market, Johnson & Johnson has introduced their SILVERCEL antimicrobial alginate dressing, providing the protection of silver and the absorption of alginate.

Alginate dressings are highly absorbent, biodegradable dressings made from seaweed. They keep wounds moist, which not only promotes healing but limits damage during dressing changes.

According to company officials, SILVERCEL can be especially helpful in the healing of chronic, hard-to-heal wounds that may be infected as a result of a high bacterial count. Because of a sustained release of silver ions, the dressing acts as an effective barrier and may help reduce infection. Silver’s antimicrobial properties are built-in through the use of XSTATIC Silver Fibers, from Noble Fiber Technologies, the same textile material used in socks and other clothing to prevent odor from bacteria.

Silver News - Third Quarter 2004