Precautions
Silver sulfadiazene cream (Silvadene®) does indeed turn black as the silver ion oxidizes. However, the black pigments are not incorporated into the healing skin. Permanent skin discoloration is not from using silver sulfadizene on burn wounds. As healing skin matures, melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment return.
Does Silvadene cause slow healing?
- Always keep your cut, scrape or other skin injury clean. ...
- To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. ...
- After cleaning the wound and applying petroleum jelly or a similar ointment, cover the skin with an adhesive bandage. ...
- Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. ...
What is the best ointment for wound care?
Can you put Silvadene on an open wound? The cream can be used with or without wound dressings. The patient should continue to use the cream until the burn area has healed to an adequate level or until the wound is ready for skin grafting.
Can Silvadene be used on open wounds?
Yes: It can be used on other wounds of the skin as long as it does not irritat your skin. Can i put silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream on small burn with denuded skin? Second-degree burns: ... Will heal on their own, given good wound care and good nutrition.
Can Silvadene be used on good skin?
Is silver sulfadiazine good for open wounds?
Silver sulfadiazine works by stopping the growth of bacteria that may infect an open wound. This helps to decrease the risk of the bacteria spreading to surrounding skin, or to the blood where it can cause a serious blood infection (sepsis).
When should you not use Silvadene?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine. Silvadene may cause serious medical problems in a newborn if you use this medicine during late pregnancy (close to your delivery date). This medicine should also not be used on premature babies or any child younger than 2 months old.
Can Silvadene make a wound worse?
If a wound worsens after starting treatment with silver sulfadiazine, with increased pain, exudate, and perilesional redness, it may be clinically suspected. This adverse effect is confirmed by epicutaneous tests (patch test).
How do you apply Silvadene to a wound?
Apply a thin layer (about 1/16 inch) of silver sulfadiazine to the affected areas. Keep the affected areas covered with the medicine at all times. If this medicine is rubbed off the affected areas by moving around or if it is washed off during bathing, showering, or the use of a whirlpool bath, reapply the medicine.
Does silver sulfadiazine promote healing?
For burns, silver sulfadiazine slows healing and should not be used. Instead, nanocrystalline silver, or alternatives such as octenidine and polyhexanide, lead to less infection and faster healing.
What can Silvadene cream be used for?
SILVADENE Cream 1% (silver sulfadiazine) is a topical antimicrobial drug indicated as an adjunct for the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second- and third-degree burns.
Does Silvadene slow wound healing?
Adverse effects of silver sulfadiazine includes: 1-delayed wound healing is often observed clinically following the use of silver-containing topical antimicrobial agents [18, 19]. Silver sulfadiazine cream might also slow down the proper healing mechanisms of the wound [20].
When should you not use silver dressing?
Silver dressings should not be used in the absence of localised (overt or covert), spreading or systemic infection, unless there are clear indicators that the wound is at high risk of infection or re-infection. Box 5 summarises the situations where silver dressings should not be used.
What cream is good for wound healing?
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs.
When do you apply Silvadene cream?
Reapply the cream after bathing or water therapy. Silver sulfadiazine cream is usually applied 1 or 2 times daily. Burn wounds must be kept covered with this medicine at all times. Treated skin areas can be left uncovered, or you may use a gauze bandage if directed by your doctor.
How does silver help wound healing?
Silver dressings are topical wound care products derived from ionic silver. These products release a steady amount of silver to the wound and provide antimicrobial or antibacterial action. The silver is activated from the dressing to the wound's surface based on the amount of exudate and bacteria in the wound.
Why is Silvadene not used for burns?
Negative-pressure wound therapy accelerates the healing of contaminated wounds, especially when silver is used as an adjunct. For burns, silver sulfadiazine slows healing and should not be used.
What is silver sulfadiazine used for?
It fights bacteria and yeast on the skin. Silvadene (for the skin) is used to treat or prevent serious infection on areas of skin with second- or third-degree burns. Silvadene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How thick should silver sulfadiazine be?
Apply enough silver sulfadiazine to cover the affected area evenly. This medicine should be applied in a layer about one 16th (1/16) of an inch thick, or 1.6 millimeters. If needed, apply more cream to replace any medicine that has come off on bandages, clothing, or bed linens.
How to apply silver sulfadiazine to burn wounds?
The person applying silver sulfadiazine to burn wounds should wear sterile disposable gloves. Take care to keep the treatment area as clean as possible to prevent further infection. Clean the area to be treated as directed by your doctor. Apply enough silver sulfadiazine to cover the affected area evenly.
Can Silvadene harm a baby?
a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or. an allergy to sulfa drugs. FDA pregnancy category B. Silvadene is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, this medicine can cause serious medical problems in a newborn and should not be used during late pregnancy.
Can you take Silvadene while pregnant?
Silvadene may cause serious medical problems in a newborn if you use this medicine during late pregnancy (close to your delivery date). This medicine should also not be used on premature babies or any child younger than 2 months old. To make sure Silvadene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease;
Can silver sulfadiazine cause sore throat?
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when silver sulfadiazine is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
Can you give a newborn a sulfadene?
Silvadene may cause serious medical problems in a newborn if you use Silvadene during late pregnancy (close to your delivery date). This medicine should also not be used on premature babies or any child younger than 2 months old.
What is Silvadene used for?
Silvadene is a topical antimicrobial agent that’s applied directly to the skin over wounds, most commonly, ones that are the result of second-degree and third-degree burns. 2 There may be other skin infections where your doctor recommends the cream as well.
Why do you need Silvadene cream?
If you experience a serious wound or burn on your body, your doctor may prescribe Silvadene cream to treat infections and prevent new ones from developing. That’s because Silvadene, also known as silver sulfadiazine, is a topical, micronized form of silver that has antimicrobial properties. 1 .
Does Silvadene help with sepsis?
When a wound or burn is present, Silvadene helps to stop infections from spreading to the surrounding skin or invading the bloodstream, where it could cause a life-threatening condition known as sepsis when used right. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin.
Can you use Silvadene cream on a baby?
Silvadene cream is not recommended for premature babies, newborn babies, or children 2 months of age or younger. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re pregnant because Silvadene isn’t recommended for use in women who are at or approaching their pregnancy due date.
Can you use Silvadene on burns?
Wounds resulting from burns should be clean and debrided before applying the cream. Silvadene should be applied under sterile conditions. The burns should remain covered with the cream at all times to eliminate and reduce infection risks.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Although many people can use this medication without significant problems, serious side effects can occur in some individuals. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor as soon as possible: 1 Unexplained bruising or bleeding 2 Fatigue 3 Joint aches and pains 4 Fever 5 Sore throat 6 Weakness 7 Blood in your urine 8 Rash on the skin 9 Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Is Silvadene a sulfate?
Silvadene belongs to the class of medications called sulfa drugs, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Unlike other drugs in the sulfa category, Silvadene doesn’t exert its anti-infective properties by inhibiting folic acid synthesis.
Will silvadene harm the good skin around the wound it's helping to heal?
Silvadene will help: Silvadene around wound will help - The only think to consider if you have Sulfa allergy will make wound more inflammed - so make sure there are no sul... Read More
Can i use silver sulfadiazine for something other than a skin burn?
Yes: It can be used on other wounds of the skin as long as it does not irritat your skin.
Can i put silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream on small burn with denuded skin?
Second-degree burns: ... Will heal on their own, given good wound care and good nutrition. Burns on the face should be gooped up with antibiotic ointment several times a d... Read More
Burned skin under lower lip 2mo ago & have a healed pink line that gets red if i use warm water is this permanent? i don't think i need silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) now!
Red Skin After Burn: There are products to help reduce the redness that are otc such as Mederma and kelo-cote.
Silver sulfadiazine good for sunburns?
Overkill: Silver sulfadiazine is used for significant second and third degree burns. It would be overkill for a sunburn unless is was an unusually severe burn.
Silver sulfadiazine cream good for ance razer bumps?
Razor Bumps: Shave with an electric razor, which does not cut as closely to the skin as a traditional razor. If using a traditional razor, make sure that it is not... Read More
If have a wound and primary care physician prescribed silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) and then gently clean off with peroxide is that good?
Wound care: Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) is a great wound care agent as it keeps a wound moist and has good antibacterial properties. It can be used on the ma... Read More
Is silver sulfadiazine contraindicated?
SILVADENE Cream 1% (silver sulfadiazine) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to silver sulfadiazine or any of the other ingredients in the preparation. Because sulfonamide therapy is known to increase the possibility of kernicterus, SILVADENE Cream 1% should not be used on pregnant women approaching or at term, on premature infants, or on newborn infants during the first 2 months of life.
Is silver sulfadiazine antimicrobial?
Silver sulfadiazine has broad antimicrobial activity. It is bactericidal for many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as well as being effective against yeast. Results from in vitro testing are listed below.

How It Works
This medication is used with other treatments to help prevent and treat wound infections in patients with serious burns.
May Treat: Infection of burn wound
Drug Class: Dermatological - Burn Products Anti-infective
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Infection of burn wound
Drug Class: Dermatological - Burn Products Anti-infective
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: MONARCH PHRM · PFIZER US PHARM
How to Use
Side Effects
Precautions and Contraindications
Summary
A Word from Verywell
- Silvadene is a topical antimicrobial agent that’s applied directly to the skin over wounds—most commonly ones that are the result of second- and third-degree burns.3There may be other skin infections where your healthcare provider recommends the cream as well. The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) lists the following guidelines for applying Sil...