Silver Sulfadiazine; Specifically Used For Second or Third-Degree Burns on the Skin

Silver sulfadiazine, a sulfa drug, is used to prevent and treat infections of second- and third-degree burns. It is an antibiotic works by killing the bacteria or preventing its growth. It fights bacteria and yeast on the skin. Silver sulfadiazine is a prescription cream used in combination with other treatments to help prevent and treat wound infections in patients with serious burns. It is helpful in preventing burn wounds and small skin grafts from becoming infected. It is also prescribed to help treat infected leg ulcers and pressure sores.

It is widely used for second- or third-degree burns on the skin, which acts ant-bacterial drug. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers silver sulfadiazine an essential drug and is used as an antibiotic for skin irritation. Negative-pressure wound therapy boosts the healing of contaminated wounds, when silver is used as an adjunct. For burns, silver sulfadiazine slows healing and should not be used. Sulfadiazine belongs to the class of medications known as sulfa antibiotics. This antibiotic treats only certain types of infections.

Silver sulfadiazine cream has an enviable safety record in burn treatment. An overdose of silver sulfadiazine is not expected to be dangerous. However, there have been some side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite, among others. These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider if they occur. The drug should only be applied to the area for which it was prescribed. Burn wounds should be kept covered with silver sulfadiazine at all times. Do not apply it in the eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina.

Clinicians sometimes use this drug is sometimes used in the treatment of other skin infections not related to burns, such as ulcers. It is an antibiotic medicine that helps fight infections caused by bacteria. Thus, there is an increasing demand for silver sulfadiazine in Asia Pacific (APAC), especially in India and China. It is available in both prescription and over-the-counter wound-care products.