Colloidal silver is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but there is minimal evidence of its efficacy. Colloidal silver has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic and disinfectant. Today, it is gaining popularity as a topical treatment for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of colloidal silver.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that colloidal silver can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use colloidal silver to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Colloidal silver for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of colloidal silver to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is Colloidal silver?
Colloidal silver is a suspension of silver particles in a liquid base. It is available in different concentrations, ranging from 10 ppm (parts per million) to 500 ppm.
The silver particles are so small that they remain suspended in the liquid and do not settle at the bottom. This makes colloidal silver a very stable product with a long shelf life.
It has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, but only recently has it become popular for use on the skin.
What are the benefits of Colloidal silver for eczema?
It has been claimed that colloidal silver has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help soothe the skin and speed up the healing process. Colloidal silver can be applied topically to the skin or taken orally. When applied to the skin, it is said to help reduce inflammation and redness brought on by eczema. Oral consumption of colloidal silver may help boost the immune system, which is important in fighting off infection and helping the body to heal.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence that supports these claims, and use of colloidal silver for the treatment of eczema still remains controversial. In fact, medical experts and researchers advocate against the use of colloidal silver, saying it is ineffective and may pose serious side effects.
Since 1999, the Food and Drug Administration has declared all over-the-counter products that contain colloidal silver unsafe and not clinically effective. Since then, the FDA has not approved the release of products for oral consumption containing colloidal silver on the market. However, despite the regulations, colloidal silver is still commonly sold as a dietary supplement in some markets.
Can Colloidal silver help with psoriasis?
Some people with psoriasis turn to complementary and alternative therapies, such as colloidal silver, to help relieve their symptoms. Colloidal silver is said to help heal wounds and skin problems, including psoriasis.
Colloidal silver is thought to work by binding to and killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This process is known as “bactericidal activity.” This claim may seem true as proven in a study where colloidal silver was found to kill a variety of bacteria, fungus, and viruses in test tubes. However, its effectiveness in treating humans has not been established due to the potential side effects of consuming colloidal silver.
There is no scientific evidence on the benefits of colloidal silver for psoriasis. However, some people have found it helpful in relieving the symptoms of this condition.
Applying colloidal silver topically to burns and wounds is the only human application that has proven to be successful so far. However, its advantages are still fiercely debated even then.
How is Colloidal Silver used?
In the past, colloidal silver was used as an antibiotic to treat infections. However, its use has declined due to the development of more effective antibiotics.
Today, colloidal silver is often promoted as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, and even cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Colloidal silver can be used topically on the skin. It is available in different forms, including gel, cream, spray, and lotion.
When using colloidal silver on the skin, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label. Some products may need to be diluted before use.
It is also important to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. If contact does occur, rinse the area with water immediately.
If you have any concerns about using colloidal silver on the skin, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional before use.
It is also important to note the side effects of colloidal silver when used both orally and topically. Consuming colloidal silver carries a number of grave health hazards, including argyria (a skin condition where the skin appears blue-gray because of excess silver build-up in the body), brain injury, liver damage, and renal damage. Additionally, it decreases the effectiveness and absorption of some medicines, including antibiotics and the thyroid supplement thyroxine.
No colloidal silver product meant for oral consumption is safe or advised.
Does Colloidal silver help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Colloidal silver has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with colloidal silver.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of colloidal silver and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced solutions and treatments for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Colloidal silver for TSW
If you are considering using colloidal silver for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with colloidal silver in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of colloidal silver in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using colloidal silver for topical steroid withdrawal.
