What Are the Benefits of Topical Colloidal Silver?

Colloidal silver has become readily available as an alternative medicine in both ingested and topical forms. More than a century ago, colloidal silver was believed to be a treatment for piles, or what we today call hemorrhoids. However, over time, physicians figured out that in fact, colloidal silver was not effective.



The solution itself is very simple--particles of silver suspended in water. Its proven effects are just as simple: none. According to some doctors, it can actually do more harm than good.

Claims

• Manufacturers and sellers of colloidal silver often claim it has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. This would be the main reason for topical use. Others also claim that colloidal silver, when ingested, boosts the immune system and promotes overall health. There are no clinical bases for these claims.

Medical Truths

• According to Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic, colloidal silver not only has no positive medical benefits, but poses health dangers. The most likely problem is argyria, or silver poisoning that creates permanent, irreversible silver/blue discoloration of the skin.

  A report by WebMD states that other dangers are possible, including seizures, kidney damage, stomach problems, headaches, fatigue and skin irritation. It also blocks the effectiveness of numerous common medications. Most of these are the result of extended use, and more from oral than topical use.

FDA Ban

• In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of colloidal silver from all over-the-counter drug sales. However, products remain available as "nutritional supplements" which the FDA is beginning to restrict. The FDA also mentions in its 1999 ruling that it does not believe colloidal silver to be safe for internal or external use.