Have you ever heard of colloidal silver gel and wondered what it is, how it works, and the potential benefits—or risks—associated with its use? Colloidal silver has become increasingly popular due to its purported ability to heal many conditions. But do these claims hold up when examined in light of scientific evidence?
In this article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about colloidal silver gel, including an in-depth look at its benefits, uses, and side effects. Here, we will help educate current and potential users about their options when using this versatile therapeutic agent. Now, let’s start.
Table of Contents
What’s Colloidal Silver Gel Good For?
Colloidal silver is an alternative medication with much debate. Its advocates say it is a good way to treat infections and diseases, from the common cold to cancer.
When used topically, colloidal silver gel may aid the body’s immune system in fighting off infections and speeding the healing of damaged skin. The gel makes it simple to apply to any body area and stays on for hours. It is effective against skin infections, wounds, and burns when combined with bandages and dressings. [1]
How Does Colloidal Silver Gel Work?
Colloidal silver gel contains suspended particles of silver in a solution or gel base. It was formerly used as a topical antiseptic because of its ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms by disrupting their protein structures. It binds to the cells of bacteria and other microbes, causing their death, without damaging human cells.
When applied to the skin, the silver particles are thought to interact with bacteria and fungi cells, disrupting their activity and killing them. However, silver is not a necessary mineral and serves no biological purpose. The processes that give silver its antibacterial properties are currently being studied.
Colloidal Silver Gel Benefits for Skin
There are many benefits of using colloidal silver gel. Here are some of the ways that it can help with skin health.
1. Colloidal Silver Gel for Wounds and Infections
The colloidal silver gel has been used to treat various skin infections. It may be applied to the affected area or used in a bandage or dressing. The gel helps reduce the infection and improve symptoms by killing off microbes.
Colloidal silver gel is often used on wounds to reduce infection risk and speed healing. It can also be applied to burns, cuts, and wounds to reduce pain and discomfort. [2]
When used topically, colloidal silver accelerates healing in the skin and other soft tissues, making it useful for treating cuts, scrapes, and rashes. By decreasing swelling and increasing cellular repair, it shortens the time it takes for an injury to heal for the patient to make a full recovery.
Silver helps in the early days/ weeks when an infection has set up on a wound. Products containing silver may be used for the treatment of both chronic wounds and acute wounds that are at risk of infection. After that, dressings made without silver should be applied.
However, silver does not affect sterile wounds or surgical incisions that have been closed. Therefore, for the most effective negative pressure wound treatment, nanocrystalline silver and silver-coated polyurethane sponge are the best silver formulations.
Silver sulfadiazine, for instance, has been shown to slow the healing of wounds. A silver-containing bandage may speed up the healing process if used correctly. [3]
2. Colloidal Silver Gel for Acne
Colloidal silver gel may help reduce the inflammation associated with acne and other skin conditions. Acne vulgaris can be effectively treated using silver nanoparticle gel, and there is no cause for concern about the gel’s safety.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences between silver nanoparticle gel and clindamycin gel when both were used with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat moderate cases of acne vulgaris. Hence, it can be an effective treatment for those suffering from acne. [4]
3. Colloidal Silver Gel for Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that can cause dry, itchy skin. Colloidal silver gel may help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema and other skin conditions. Colloidal silver gel can also help soothe irritation caused by the condition and may help prevent infections.
Animal studies have shown that nanocrystalline silver cream may reduce inflammation. As a result, atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema, are being studied in relation to the use of nanocrystalline silver cream. [5]
How Do You Use Colloidal Silver Gel?
Colloidal silver gel is most commonly applied to the skin in a thin layer twice a day.
Apply the silver gel after cleaning the area, and keep the wound moist between dressing changes. The wound should be covered with sterile gauze or another secondary dressing and taped or held in place.
It can also be used in a compress, as an oral rinse, or added to bandages or dressings.
How Long Does It Take for Colloidal Silver Gel to Start Working?
The amount of time it takes for the colloidal silver gel to work varies depending on how it’s used and the individual’s health condition.
Generally, colloidal silver gel applied topically begins to work within minutes. However, colloidal silver taken internally may take a few days or a week before the benefits are noticeable.
How Long Does Colloidal Silver Gel Stay in the Body?
When applied topically, the silver gel stays on the skin’s surface and is not absorbed into the body. With a silver colloid size of 1-100 nanometers, true colloidal silver will exit the body within 6-8 hours, making it safe for usage by adults, children, and even pets to boost their immune systems.
Choosing Your Colloidal Silver Gel
While there are numerous applications for colloidal silver, some silver has different benefits. Know what you want before you buy something to put in or on your body. Always opt for colloidal silver gel. However, stay away from silver containing bigger silver particles. Larger particles are less likely to be absorbed by the body and have less effect.
Look for colloidal silver with a concentration of no more than 10 ppm. This suggests the silver particles are tiny and concentrated without being so concentrated as to pose a significant health concern. You should search for colloidal silver products that have near-100-percent silver content. They must be completely devoid of protein and any other additives.
Side Effects of Colloidal Silver Gel
We do know that silver is not considered an essential material. The human body just does not need it. Still, your skin may absorb topically some of the silver particles you apply. Clinical research with topical applications is few, and specialists have not yet been able to identify any possible dangers associated with them. [6]
Silver allergies are unusual, but they do exist. Topical colloidal silver is probably not for you if your skin is sensitive to metals. Also, there is no industry standard for colloidal silver products. Hence, there is room for variation in manufacturing, including silver particle size and quantity, from one product to the next. It’s best to research a company or product before buying from them.
Bottomline: Colloidal Silver Gel Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
When used topically, the colloidal silver gel may aid the body’s immune system in fighting off infections and speeding the healing of damaged skin. Although colloidal silver effectively treats certain infections and diseases, more research must determine its long-term effects.
If you are considering using colloidal silver gel as a treatment for an infection, it is important to consult your doctor first.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Colloidal Silver. (2017, April). National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidal-silver.
- Dharmshaktu GS, Singhal A, Pangtey T. Colloidal silver-based nanogel as nonocclusive dressing for multiple superficial pellet wounds. J Family Med Prim Care. 2016 Jan-Mar;5(1):175-7. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.184659. PMID: 27453869; PMCID: PMC4943132.
- Khansa I, Schoenbrunner AR, Kraft CT, Janis JE. Silver in Wound Care-Friend or Foe?: A Comprehensive Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Aug 12;7(8):e2390. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002390. PMID: 31592393; PMCID: PMC6756674.
- Jurairattanaporn N, Chalermchai T, Ophaswongse S, Udompataikul M. Comparative Trial of Silver Nanoparticle Gel and 1% Clindamycin Gel when Use in Combination with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide in Patients with Moderate Acne Vulgaris. J Med Assoc Thai. 2017 Jan;100(1):78-85. PMID: 29911775.
- Nucryst Pharmaceuticals. Preliminary Study of Safety and Efficacy of Nanocrystalline Silver Cream in Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). January 23, 2004. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00076375.
- George R, Merten S, Wang TT, Kennedy P, Maitz P. In vivo analysis of dermal and systemic absorption of silver nanoparticles through healthy human skin. Australas J Dermatol. 2014 Aug;55(3):185-90. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12101. Epub 2013 Sep 5. PMID: 24004310.
