10 More Uses of Silver in Medicine and Healthcare
Posted by Silver Forte on May 15th 2018
When we think of silver, we think about jewelry and coins. But did you know that silver is actually used in medicine and healthcare, as well? Since the discovery of nano silver, silver has been integrated into common medical and healtcare practices. Here are a few uses of silver in medicine and healthcare, which you might not have heard of:
LAB COATS
Doctors and lab technicians use lab coats which have antimicrobial properties, because this helps protect the coat from the growth of harmful microorganisms. Now, doctors don’t have to worry about their coats smelling bad, either -- silver contains properties which fight odor-causing bacteria. Talk about smelling good naturally!
IMMUNE BUILDER
Colloidal silver has been used to remedy homeopathic conditions, as well as treat several diseases. Specifically, colloidal silver has been known to fight against the flu and colds, treat bronchial complications, and even treat ear infections.
SURGERY
Silver is used as a cauterizing agent for openings during surgery. This works because silver nitrate can close cuts which were purposely performed in surgery. Silver nitrate is a great cauterizing agent because it can prevent infections and further damage to these bodily openings.
BIOSENSORS
Today, silver nano wires are being developed into biosensors, in order for them to assist in various disease diagnostics. The silver nano wire can be used as electronic bio-sensing mechanisms.
ANTIBIOTICS
Silver salts are very effective against E. Coli. When infused with antibiotics, the silver salts can kill bacteria up to 1,000 more effective than your standard antibiotic. This works because silver can neutralize the defenses of bacteria, making them easier to target and eliminate.
MERCURY POISONING
Silver chloride has been used as an antidote for mercury poisoning. Silver can flush out the toxin inside the body, which aids in the healing process.
SMOKING
Rather, the prevention of smoking. Silver acetate in gum, mouth sprays and lozenges has been found to aid people in their addiction to smoking. This was first observed in the 1970s, when a gum called Tabmint was used to help people deal with their smoking habits.
DISINFECTANT
Silver acts as a surface disinfectant commonly used in hospitals and other medical establishments. For instance, Nanosil is an EPA-approved surface disinfectant because it doesn’t use toxic chemicals. This is especially important if they’re being used in hospitals, where sanitation is the prime concern.
NAILS
Podiatrists frequently utilize silver nitrate to kill fungus found in their patients’ nail beds. Silver in its nitrate form can effectively eliminate fungus growing on the toes.
SURGICAL MASKS
The FDA has approved of surgical masks that contain silver woven into the fiber to be used in healthcare. These surgical masks, such as Spectrashield, contain copper and silver ions which have been woven into the fiber. These masks can eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria, eliminating foul odors.
BED MATS
Long-term patients who have to stay in bed for an extended period of time can now stay in sanitary bed mats which contain silver. These mats have been proven to prevent bedsores. In addition, nanosilver in these bed mats is naturally hydrophilic, which means that each time the nanosilver comes in contact with moisture such as sweat and other bodily fluids, its antibacterial property increases.
ENDOTRACHEAL TUBES
These tubes can be found in ventilators. Patients who use these ventilators are at risk of developing pneumonia and other diseases. Tubes which have been coated with silver reduce this possibility by around 40 percent. This is because silver has been known to fight against bacteria and infection.
DRUG EFFICIENCY
Silver nano particles can increase the effectiveness of drugs taken into one’s system. There have been reports of silver nano particles which have been coated with peptide effectively destroying tumor cells. Developments have shown that silver could be used to target specific cells, making it easier to cure different infections inside the body.
Today, silver’s reach has extended beyond the medical world. It wouldn’t be surprising to see silver in different industries, since developments are still in their early stages. We have yet to see the full reach of silver in terms of their medical implications. With silver and medicine being two of the most studied areas today, we should be seeing improvements in the near future.