Colloidal silver is a suspension of tiny particles of silver within in a water base. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, up until the mid-20th century it was used as an antibacterial agent and taken orally for colds and gonorrhea. Currently it is being sold as a dietary supplement, but it should be noted that the FDA has not approved colloidal silver as being safe and effective for any conditions and silver is not an essential mineral. Always check with your physician before taking colloidal silver.
Burn and Ulcer Treatment
Silver is a very effective antibacterial when used topically, meaning outside of the body, such as Silvadene cream, generic name silver sulfadiazine. According to Drugs.com, silver sulfadiazine is frequently used to prevent burns and pressure ulcers from becoming infected. It works against a broad spectrum of microbes, including bacteria and yeasts. Some bandages, such as those made by Curad, now contain silver as a deterrent to infection.
Eye Infection Treatment
Historically, silver nitrate eye drops have been used in the eyes of newborns to kill gonorrhea bacteria that might have entered their eyes during birth. According to the AltMD website, silver nitrate is not effective against chlamydia, which can also cause neonatal conjunctivitis, so silver nitrate drops have largely been replaced by the antibiotics tetracycline and erythromycin. Colloidal silver drops are used by some to treat a sty or conjunctivitis, but you should first check with your doctor before using them in your eyes.
Antibacterial, Antiviral and Antifungal Treatment
Colloidal silver has been highly touted by some as being an effective treatment for bacterial, viral and fungal infections, including AIDS-related pneumonia, but this has not been documented in scientific studies. According to Natural Therapy Pages, when taken orally, typically one to two drops are placed under the tongue or taken in a glass of water and held in the mouth, for the silver to be well-absorbed. One problem with colloidal silver for oral use is that there are no set standards for its production, so preparations can differ in the amount of silver they contain and the size of the silver particles. Colloidal silver should not be taken internally without consulting your health care provider for advice.
Dangers and Precautions
To date, no human studies on colloidal silver have been reported. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, animal studies have shown that silver can build up within the body's tissues. This can lead to a condition called argyria, in which the skin, nails, gums and deep tissues can turn bluish-gray from the accumulation of silver particles. This condition is not treatable or reversible. Silver may inactivate some of the body's enzymes. Buildup of silver within the body can also cause kidney damage, seizures and headache. Silver can interfere with some medications, such as tetracycline, thyroxine and penicillamine. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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