Towards the end of 2009 a clinical trial comparing silver-containing dressings with non-medicated dressings in venous leg ulcer treatment was published (Michaels et al, 2009; VULCAN study). This has provoked a remarkable reaction within the UK. Clinicians and scientists have commented on its design and conclusions, and it has led to a subsequent review in the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB, 2010). This latter article has been reported in the national press (Daily Mail, 2010).