Medical uses of silver

Medical uses of Silver

Silver (pronunciation: /ˈsɪlvər/), from the Old English seolfor, has been used in medicine for centuries due to its antimicrobial properties.

Antimicrobial properties

Silver ions and silver-based compounds are highly toxic to microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They are used in a variety of medical applications, including wound dressings, medical devices, and antimicrobial sprays. Silver ions are believed to interfere with the metabolism of bacteria and the formation of certain bacterial enzymes, leading to cell death.

Wound dressings

Silver is often used in wound dressings to prevent infection. Silver-impregnated dressings, such as Acticoat, release silver ions at the wound site, which can kill bacteria and other pathogens. These dressings are particularly useful for treating burns and chronic wounds.

Medical devices

Many medical devices, including catheters and endotracheal tubes, are coated with silver to prevent bacterial colonization and subsequent infection. The silver coating releases silver ions, which can kill bacteria on contact.

Antimicrobial sprays

Silver is also used in antimicrobial sprays, which can be used to disinfect surfaces in healthcare settings. These sprays are often used in hospitals to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.

Safety and toxicity

While silver has many medical uses, it can also be toxic in large amounts. Silver toxicity, or argyria, can occur if silver is ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Symptoms of argyria can include a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other tissues.

See also

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Antiseptics
• Disinfectants

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Medical uses of silver
• Wikipedia's article - Medical uses of silver

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