Acticoat Silver Antimicrobial Dressings

Acticoat dressings from Smith & Nephew use nanocrystalline silver technology to deliver sustained antimicrobial protection across burns, chronic wounds, and other sites at high infection risk. The distinguishing feature is the SILCRYST nanocrystal coating, which releases silver rapidly and continuously to reduce bacterial burden — including antibiotic-resistant organisms — while maintaining an effective barrier against contamination from the outside.

The line is built around wear time and conformability, which is where clinicians most often choose between the options. Acticoat (as in the 4 x 4 in square barrier dressing, 20101) is designed to be moistened and changed roughly every three days, making it well suited to acute burn care. Acticoat 7 (4 x 5 in, 20141) extends antimicrobial activity up to seven days, reducing dressing changes and disturbance to the healing bed — a practical choice for wounds that don't need frequent inspection. The Acticoat Flex 3 range, including the 4 x 4 in (66800406) and larger 8 x 16 in (66800418) options, adds a highly flexible, low-adherent construction that moves with the body, so it works well over joints, difficult contours, and areas where patient comfort and range of motion matter.

Sizing matters for both fit and cost. Smaller formats such as the 2 x 2 in burn dressing (20601) suit digits and localized wounds, while the 8 x 16 in sheets cover extensive burns or large surface areas with fewer pieces. All Acticoat dressings are sterile and non-adhesive without a border, so they require a secondary dressing or retention layer to hold them in place. Most are applied to a moist wound and kept damp with sterile water — not saline, which can deactivate the silver — an important application detail worth confirming against product instructions.

For complementary options, explore our broader Silver Dressings selection and related Advanced Wound Care products.