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Wound Dressings — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardWound HealingWound DressingsSCE Dermatology

A silver dressing was started for an infected chronic ulcer. Two weeks later, spreading erythema, warmth and pain have resolved and the wound is granulating. What should happen to the silver dressing?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Change to a standard non-antimicrobial dressing matched to current wound-bed and exudate characteristics

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as E

C is correct. NICE limits silver dressings to wounds with clinical signs or symptoms of infection; once those signs resolve, ongoing antimicrobial exposure lacks evidence and adds cost. Dressing choice should revert to moisture, exudate, comfort and tissue requirements while the ulcer’s underlying cause is treated. Granulation is a healing sign, not evidence for dose escalation. Silver does not replace compression for venous disease, and prophylactic systemic antibiotics are not indicated after clinical infection has settled.

Reference: NICE ESMPB2 chronic-wound dressings evidence: https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esmpb2/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence