Acticoat Antimicrobial Silver Dressings

[jamiefindley]

Dr. Hale,

Our facility is considering use of Acticoat dressing for c-section deliveries. Can you provide any information regarding the safety of its use by breastfeeding mothers? We know that the use of Acticoat in breastfeeding mothers is not contraindicated, however we have been unable to find evidence demonstrating whether topically applied silver is transferred to the breast milk, and if so, what potential concerns there would be for the infant. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jamie Findley, RN, IBCLC

[admin]

Jamie:

As long as it is not used too long, say weeks, it is probably safe used topically on the skin. That said, I have personally done some studies on silver-containing fabrics and find that the Silver is not released from these products, unless there is a continuous liquid layer between the skin and the fabric. If the section is dry or clotted, it won't release the silver onto the skin. It logical if you think about it. Silver can't transfer down without a medium to go through. Hence its worthless on dry lesions. Works great on burns which weep and produce a continuous transfer medium for the silver.


I think you'd be better off using Bactroban or Chlorhexidine washes.

Tom Hale Ph.D.