Health and Medical Benefits of Silver: Part Two – Current Use

Part Two of a Three-Part Series

In Part One, I discussed the history and evolutionary use of silver as a health and medical benefit.  Now I am going to give you an overview of some of the ways silver is being used within the current medical community.  Here are some quick facts you might not know.

The primary medical value of silver is that it is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent; that is, it kills a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi.  It is germicidal.

Silver sulfadiazine cream (SSD cream) is commonly used to treat serious burns and other external wounds.  One example is: Thermazene (1% Silver Sulfadiazine Cream) Antibacterial, Antifungal, Burn Topical.  Silver-coated dressings (activated silver dressings) are sometimes used in addition to the SSD cream, even though there is a controversy regarding their effectiveness. 

In 2007, a silver-lined antibacterial drinking glass was invented by AGC Flat Glass Europe to lower the incidence of infections that patients often get during their hospital stay.  Ionizable silver is also incorporated into fabrics to reduce the spread of bacteria. 

Silver alloy catheters are used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).  While more expensive than silver oxide catheters, they are far more effective.   One example is: Bard Bardex Ic Latex 2Way 5Cc Coude Foley Catheter W/Silver Alloy Coude Tip – Model 0102si16

The disinfectant properties of silver in endotracheal breathing tubes have caused a reduction in the frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

The antibacterial action of silver is increased when a few volts of electricity are applied across silver electrodes.  And now it has been discovered that if the electrodes are covered with silver nanorods, it is even more effective. 

The World Health Organization uses colloidal silver water filters to provide safe drinking water in developing countries. 

Silver nitrate is sometimes used in solid stick form, known as a caustic, to treat certain skin conditions such as corns and warts.   An example is: Silver Nitrate Applicators – Tube 100.

In Part Three, you will learn how and why colloidal silver is used as an “alternative” medicine.

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