Colloidal silver is sold as a health supplement that is taken by mouth, applied topically, or injected, according to the Mayo Clinic. While manufacturers claim that this product can treat a variety of medical conditions, there have been no tests that prove these claims. Caution must be used when considering colloidal silver as a supplement.
Pregnancy
Colloidal silver shouldn't be used by pregnant women. Sloan-Kettering reports that a pregnant woman who uses colloidal silver puts her baby at risk of developmental abnormalities.
Argyria
Argyria is a condition in which the skin and/or nailbeds turn a blue-gray color. Generally, this condition does not signify any other health concerns, but it usually is not treatable. Changes in skin pigmentation are most common on areas of the skin that are exposed to sun, but argyria can occur anywhere on the skin.
Methemoglobinemia
Methemoglobinemia is a condition that affects the blood. A person with this condition has an abnormal amount of hemoglobin built up in the blood, making it difficult to carry oxygen to the body. The first symptom of this condition, according to MedLine Plus, is the skin turning a blue hue due to lack of oxygen. Headache, fatigue, seizures, lack of energy, and shortness of breath are also signs of this condition.
Drug Interactions
Colloidal silver can affect the way the body processes certain medications. The colloidal silver may bind to penicillamine and cause it to be ineffective, according to Sloan-Kettering. It may also affect the way certain antibiotics, such as quinolone and tetracycline, are used by the body.
Other Warnings
With the use of colloidal silver, especially in the case of an overdose, certain medical conditions may develop. Kidney damage, seizures, fatigue, and stomach distress are possible, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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