Use of Silver on Fungus

Skin fungal infections are a common problem, usually appearing as ringworm or athlete's foot. Fungal infections can also be a problem in recent wounds, particular burn wounds. Silver is frequently used in wounds for its antimicrobial properties, and alternative health practitioners sometimes recommend colloidal silver as a treatment for chronic fungal infections.

Background

Some alternative health practitioners claim that internal use of colloidal silver can cure a variety of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. However, the internal use of silver can lead to the condition of argyria, in which silver deposits collect in the skin and eyes, turning the color of the skin to a blue-gray.

According to Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.com, there have been numerous case studies of patients whose internal use of colloidal silver resulted in argyria. This condition does not usually have any serious effects other than the discoloration. However, according to Mark Crislip of ScienceBasedMedicine.org, there have been no studies of the effectiveness of silver taken internally at fighting infections. Therefore, the FDA has outlawed the claim that taking silver internally can cure any disease or condition.

However, topical applications of silver are used to prevent infections and to kill bacteria and fungus. Topical silver cream is usually used for burn patients to treat potential bacterial or fungal growth in the burns. Lab studies have demonstrated that silver does have antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill bacteria and fungus. According to a study by Hester Vermeulen and others in the Cochran Database of Systematic Review, silver does seem to speed up healing of ulcers, but the evidence for its benefits is uncertain and needs further study.

Use

If you decide to use silver to treat fungus, you should use it topically instead of internally to avoid the danger of argyria. If you do want to use it internally, you should choose a preparation with a low silver concentration and limit your use to a short-term duration. If you are using it topically to treat a burn or similar wound, you should talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you to use topical silver. In addition to applying the silver cream, you should change the dressings on your wound frequently and keep the wound clean by washing your hands before and after changing the dressings or applying the cream. Continue to apply the silver cream topically until the wound is completely healed.