Overview

The term 'antimicrobial' is actually very broad. It encompasses such things as:

• antibiotics (pills)
• topical agents (neosporin or bacitracin as examples)
• other agents delivered in other vehicles 

This page specifically covers new, topical wound care products. They contain an ingredient that helps reduce and/or kill bacteria in the wound.

You should study each dressing to find out how to use it and what organisms it is active against.

Remember, chronic wounds are considered contaminated. If you take a swab culture, that swab would come back positive for some organism. Knowing the difference between a contaminated wound and an infected wound is very important because infected wounds won't heal until the infection is treated effectively. 

Should you place an antimicrobial product on or in a non-infected wound? Look at the research and you decide for yourself.

Some Antimicrobials Available:

Copyright 1995 - 2008