Nanocrystalline silver (very small particles of silver) is the active ingredient in Acticoat dressings, which have been approved for the treatment of burns and other wounds. Silver has been used for decades as an effective antimicrobial agent. In animal studies, nanocrystalline silver cream (NPI) has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, nanocrystalline silver cream is being evaluated in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema).