Silver for Medical Materials can Prevent Infection

Before the discovery of antibiotics, regular surgeons sew surgical scars using yarn with silver material and they believe that silver can prevent infection.Besides being used for mixed yarn operations, during World War I, the silver was used to coat the wound because it was believed could help save lives. "Various studies show that silver is a powerful antimicrobial that does not cause irritation and is not toxic," said Valerie Edwards Jones of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Jones added, proven silver can kill up to 650 microbial pathogens. That's because of thousands of silver ions that can prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses and fungi to enter the cell and how to disable the protein. Thus, microbes can not reproduce and die and will prevent the spread of infection. Other researchers Richard Hastings of BioCote mention that silver can reduce bacteria levels up to 99 percent when combined with a variety of hospital equipment.

"This will reduce the risk of superbug infections such as MRSA, E.coli and salmonella," said Hastings. Silver is also effective to treat skin disorders, such as burn marks and cuts. For example there is the silver bandages currently used to promote healing wounds. "In restoring the condition of wounds at risk of irritation and ifeksi, silver bandages proved very successful," explained Jones.

Also silver can overcome skin diseases like eczema and psiorasis. According to Jones, a cream containing one per cent silver can suppress the inflammation that occurs when skin allergy. However, more study is needed to determine whether silver can be used for use intenal. Because if taken immediately, the patient's risk of skin discoloration.