Many factors result in delayed wound healing, one of which is infection. A variety of wound dressings with antimicrobial properties are now available. Practitioners need to select an antimicrobial dressing most appropriate for the wound being treated, while considering factors such as exudate management and maintenance of a moist wound healing environment. Silvercel, a new hydroalginate dressing with silver (Johnson & Johnson Wound Management, Ascot) appears to offer enhanced moisture management through hydroalginate technology along with the antibacterial potency of silver. This article looks at the role of silver and Silvercel in wound management.