The management of burn wounds has evolved dramatically, transitioning from the crude use of early antiseptics to sophisticated, evidence-based antimicrobial dressings. In the late 19th century, the introduction of carbolic acid (phenol) by Joseph Lister revolutionised surgical infection control, forming the foundation for antiseptic burn management (1). Although this marked a major advancement, carbolic acid was highly cytotoxic and caused delayed healing and tissue irritation, limiting its use in extensive burn wounds. Throughout the 20th century, the focus shifted towards safer and more selective antimicrobial agents. Silver emerged as a cornerstone in burn wound therapy due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and relatively low cytotoxicity (2). Silver nitrate and later silver sulfadiazine became standard treatments, providing infection control and facilitating early wound healing. More recently, silver-impregnated dressings have offered controlled ion release, reduced dressing changes, and improved patient comfort — representing a significant leap from Lister’s original methods. Despite these advancements, the quest for the ideal antiseptic continues, balancing microbial suppression with optimal wound healing and tissue regeneration. The evolution from carbolic acid to silver dressings reflects an ongoing refinement of antiseptic science, integrating microbiology, biomaterial innovation, and clinical outcomes in modern burn care. Reference 1. Swick, G. 2014, ‘Were carbolic acid and hydrogen peroxide antiseptics in the old West?’, HistoryNet, 30 October. 2. Lansdown, A.B.G. 2015, ‘A review of the use of silver in wound care: facts and fallacies’, Journal of Wound Care, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 153–160.