Silver is one of the most commonly used elements. The uses are in the fashion industry, manufacturing and medicine among others. The type that is used in medical practice is colloidal silver which is produced by suspending particles of the element in a liquid. This colloid was used for many years as a natural antibiotic. This was because of its intrinsic activity against vital microbial enzymes. By inhibiting these enzymes, the organisms die off and an infection is cleared.
The colloid was one of the mainstay treatments until the start of the 20th century when it replaced by other antibiotics. The main reason as to why it fell out of favor was the high cost of production as well as an unfavorable safety profile. This notwithstanding, it is still an important component of many forms of treatments. It exists in many different formulations that include creams, dressings for wounds and as part of implants.
In modern practice, the colloid is mostly used for the management of skin and mucosal infections. It is, for this reason, incorporated in endotracheal tubes. Such tubes are used in patients undergoing major surgical procedures and those that require long term intensive care unit admissions. The main benefit here is that the colloid provides prophylaxis against pneumonia.
As a cream formulation, the colloid has a benefit in the treatment of superficial burn injuries. Not only does it keep skin infections in check but is also central to the reduction of body water loss through evaporation. Wound dressings that have been impregnated with the element serve a similar purpose when they are used in the management of chronic, non-healing wounds such as those seen among diabetics.
The element is normally reacted with various salts to yield therapeutically useful compounds. Silver nitrate is an example. The nitrate which is the main component of most eye drops is usually given to some newborns to act as prophylaxis against conjunctivitis. It is also has other uses that include management of skin conditions such as warts and corns and as a component of artificial implants.
There are several benefits that may be realized by using this treatment. For instance, the colloid has very low toxicity it gains entry into the body through ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact at low doses. There may be some unwanted effects, however, when used in excessive amounts or for a prolonged duration. The element usually accumulates below the skin especially when used topically. Blue or gray discoloration (agyria) may occur when the affected skin is exposed to sunlight.
Agyria disfigures the areas that are affected. This will of course be a huge concern if the face is affected. The unfortunate thing about the condition is that it is irreversible. Avoiding further direct sunlight exposure and using makeup are the main interventions that can be undertaken. Apart from the skin, other organs such as the kidney, liver and the brain may also be damaged.
One of the biggest concerns as relates to the use of silver compounds for treatment is the fact that has for many years been marketed for the wrong reasons. A number of practitioners of alternative medicine claim that such compounds are effective in managing chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and tuberculosis. At the same time, there have been claims that it is an essential element in the body that should be taken as supplements. All these claims have no scientific backing.
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