Silver-Coated Textiles Reduce Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Patients with Atopic Eczema
The study was published in the clinical journal Dermatology, 2003, 207, p 15–21. In the study, the researchers state that topical infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can sometimes be a contributing factor to eczema. The researchers studied 15 patients with atopic eczema and colonization with the Staph pathogen.
They found that wearing clothing that has nanosilver embedded in the fabric resulted in lower Staph counts on the skin of the patients, and coincided with clinical improvement of the eczema itself. The researchers concluded, “A highly significant decrease in S. aureus colonization could be seen on the site covered by the silver-coated textile already 2 days after initiation lasting until the end of the treatment. Seven days after cessation, S. aureus density remained significantly lower compared to baseline. In addition, significantly lower numbers of S. aureus were observed on the silver-coated textile site in comparison to cotton at the end of treatment as well as at the time point of control. Clinical improvement correlated with the reduction of S. aureus colonization.” This is obviously very interesting information for victims of eczema/dermatitis. It implies, by extension, that topical use of colloidal silver, or a good colloidal silver gel or cream, might help heal bacteria-induced eczema (non-allergic dermatitis) by killing the bacteria that contribute to the skin condition.