Evidence supporting the use of: Copper
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Copper has a long history of use for its antimicrobial properties, with both traditional and modern scientific support for its ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the skin. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used copper compounds to treat wounds and skin infections. In contemporary times, scientific studies have confirmed that copper ions possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Research demonstrates that copper surfaces can rapidly kill harmful microbes, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, by causing membrane damage and generating reactive oxygen species.

Copper oxide or copper-infused textiles have been developed for clinical use, notably in wound dressings and hospital linens, to reduce infection risk. In dermatology, there is emerging evidence that copper-impregnated dressings can aid wound healing and reduce infection rates in chronic ulcers or burns. However, while laboratory and some clinical studies are promising, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials specifically addressing the treatment of common skin infections in routine healthcare settings are limited. Thus, while scientific validation exists at a mechanistic and preliminary clinical level, the overall evidence base for copper as a primary treatment for skin infections in humans remains moderate (rating: 2), and copper should not replace established antimicrobial therapies unless guided by a healthcare professional.

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Ajoene
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactoperoxidase
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quercetin
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vitamin C
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bentonite
sarsaparilla
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chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
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privet
goldenrod
Yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
Wintergreen
camphor oil
Stillingia
White oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
asafoetida
Ajuga
aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
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Alkanet
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
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Alkanna
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Alantolactone
Artepillin C
babchi
Baliospermum
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Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
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bisabolene
bael
benzoin
Backhousia citriodora
banyan
Bacillus
burning bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
citral
California pitcher plant
Cistus
cypress
chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
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castile soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
cocklebur
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copaiba oil
citronella
Didymocarpus
daphne
emu oil
Echinodorus
Ficus religiosa
farnesol
fleabane
frankincense
fir
gallic acid
geraniol
genipap
glyceryl caprylate caprate
Galium
geranial
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Gigartina
Galbanum
golden shower tree
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Hemidesmus
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hydroxyquinoline
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liverwort
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purple Tephrosia
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