Silvadene cream is a topical drug containing 1 percent of silver sulfadiazine. Once applied, the medication works to prevent and treat a bacterial infection in a skin wound, such as third-degree and second-degree burns. Using Silvadene cream immediately after suffering a burn will help prevent an infection from occurring in the healing wound. Although the cream is a topical medication applied directly to the skin, Silvadene is absorbed into the bloodstream and may interact with other medications. Talk to a physician about any known medical conditions, such as kidney disease, and current medications before using Silvadene cream to prevent adverse effects.
Step 1
Wear sterile surgical gloves before tending to the wound.
Step 2
Clean the wound to remove dead or charred skin before applying Silvadene cream. Use a white washcloth and a mild soap with lukewarm water to cleanse the wound. A colored washcloth may contain dyes that irritate the wound, according to the Johns Hopkins Burn Center.
Step 3
Spread a layer of Silvadene cream about 1/16 of an inch thick using a gloved finger or a sterile tongue depressor. Cover the entire wound area.
Step 4
Place a sterile dressing over the burn, if prescribed by a physician.
Step 5
Apply Silvadene twice each day or as often as prescribed by the physician. Continue using the medication until the physician discontinues it.
Tips and Warnings
- Watch for side effects such as a reddened, raised rash, a burning sensation, discoloration of the skin and areas of dead skin, according to PDRHealth. Call the physician for a worsening infection or a wound that does not heal. Keep Silvadene cream at room temperature and away from children. Avoid moist conditions, such as the bathroom, for storage.
- Although infected wounds may appear healthy, it's important to use Silvadene cream for the entire prescribed duration. Stopping the medication early increases the risk of causing the bacteria to not respond to Silvadene in the future. Using the product longer than prescribed may cause an additional infection, according to Drugs.com. Silvadene shouldn't be used on infants under the age of 2 months, on pregnant women nearing their delivery dates or on breastfeeding mothers because the safety and effectiveness of this product in these groups is not established, according to Drugs.com. Avoid using Silvadene cream if there is a known allergy to sulfa drugs. Avoid getting Silvadene in the eyes or mucous membranes. Do not swallow the medication.
Things You'll Need
- Surgical gloves
- Soap
- Lukewarm water
- White washcloth
- Tongue depressor
- Sterile dressing
Member Comments