Health benefits of topical silver
There have been some benefits from applying silver-containing ointments to the skin. Health claims of topical silver include:
- antimicrobial properties
- help in healing skin wounds
- possible treatment for acne
- aid in conjunctivitis treatment in newborns
Potential Health Benefits
Antibacterial
Before the discovery of antibiotics, colloidal silver was a popular antibacterial treatment. Test-tube studies have shown that colloidal silver can kill a wide range of bacteria. This has translated to its use in some healthcare products like wound creams, wound dressings and medical equipment.
Antiviral
Proponents of colloidal silver also claim that it can have antiviral effects in your body. Some studies have suggested that different types of silver nanoparticles may help kill viral compounds. However, the amount of nanoparticles in a colloid solution can vary, and a recent study found colloidal silver to be ineffective at killing viruses, even in test-tube conditions.
Antifungal
Colloidal silver is also said to be capable of treating fungal infections. One test-tube study showed it may stop the growth of some strains of fungi. At the moment, there is little evidence to support the claim that colloidal silver is a reliable topical antifungal agent.
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