Copper healing

Copper healing refers to the treatment of adverse health and beauty conditions through continued exposure to copper. Proponents of copper healing suggest that copper is key player in skin regeneration.

Commercial applications of Copper Healing are alleged to enhance skin complexion, including the appearance of skin texture and tone, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.

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History of copper healing

Throughout history, copper was recognized as having unique characteristics that made it naturally disposed for the treatment of public health problems. Different forms of copper compounds were used by ancient civilizations to treat people stricken with afflictions and to maintain hygiene.^[1]

The ancient Egyptians sterilized drinking water and wounds using copper. The Romans catalogued numerous medicinal uses for copper for various diseases. The Aztecs treated sore throats with copper, while in Persia and India, copper was applied to treat boils, eye infections and venereal ulcers.^[1] More recently, copper bracelets have been worn to counteract arthritis and tendinitis.

With the advent of the germ theory of infection in the 19th century, scientists uncovered ways to use copper's antimicrobial properties to contain infections and disease on a large-scale.

Nosocomial infections and copper healing

Nosocomial infections are secondary infections that occur while patients undergo treatment for different adverse conditions at a hospital or other healthcare facilities.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the United States, nosocomial infections contributed to more than 88,000 deaths in 1995, at a rate of 1 death every 6 minutes, and cost the medical establishment a total of $4.5 billion.^[2] Recent studies have shown that in the United Kingdom, 1 in 10 patients acquired an infection during hospitalization.^[3] These infections are mostly bacterial, but can also be attributed to airborne fungal and viral agents.^[3]

There is growing medical evidence that 10-20% of all endemic nosocomial infections are transmitted by the airborne route. Research has demonstrated that infection-causing microbial particles are frequently liberated within the clinical environment.^[4] Also, it was determined that most airborne micro-organisms found in hospitals are generated within the building by the staff, patients and visitors.^[3]

The CDC has reported that stringent measures must be put in place, including the development of noninvasive infection-resistant devices that can control and prevent emerging nosocomial infections.^[2]

Copper-impregnated beddings, as well as wound care products, have demonstrated to be an effective measure to eradicate such infection-causing micro-organisms. These micro-microorganisms have been found to spread in medical facilities via everyday healthcare activities, such as bed-making, releasing large quantities of harmful agents into the air.^[3]

Hospital clothing and bedding that incorporate copper oxide rely on its intrinsic anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities. This is particularly important when facing methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic organisms which have become a major problem in healthcare facilities around the world, despite the considerable efforts made to control its spread.^[3]

Copper impregnated fabric

Copper-impregnated fabric is produced by binding copper to textile fibers. This process results in fabric with permanent and comprehensive antimicrobial qualities, which remain effective for the long term. The material can then be used to manufacture woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics with antimicrobial protection against microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Similarly, copper may be integrated into latex and other polymeric material during production.

Copper-impregnated fabrics possess broad-spectrum properties against microbes that threaten to degrade and damage fibers and that can cause foul odors. They have also been found to possess biocidal qualities that eliminate bacteria and fungi which normally attack fibers and cause foul odors.

Modern day applications

Today, the antimicrobial uses of copper have been expanded to include fungicides, antifouling paints, antimicrobial medicines, oral hygiene products, hygienic medical devices, antiseptics and a host of other useful applications.

Copper-impregnated fabrics are currently incorporated in everyday activities in the following domains:

• Sportswear – Socks, uniforms, underwear, and other products under strained use that must be protected against degradation by common fungus and bacteria, reducing odor, stains and product deterioration caused by bacteria and fungi.
• Hospital Care Products - Gauze, bandages and other dermal wound products.
• Healthcare Textiles - Bedding, curtains, gowns, uniforms, towels, masks, catheters, gloves and gauze that must be protected from microbial attack.
• Military/Industrial Clothing - Garments used by the military and police forces.
• Bedding and Bedrooms – Pillowcases, mattress covers and carpeting.
• Cosmetics – Skin treatment and makeup appliance products.

Criticisms

The effectiveness of copper products for human healing and conditions such as arthritis remains largely untested by rigorous scientific trials. It has been suggested^{[citation needed]} that much of the improvement of patients in response to alternative therapies is a result of the placebo effect (See also Ionized bracelet).

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Dollwet, H.H.A. and J.R.J. Sorenson (1985). "Historic uses of copper compounds in medicine". Trace elements in medicine 2, No. 2
2. ^ ^{a b} Weinstein, Robert (1998). "Nosocomial Infection Update". Emerging Infectious Diseases 4 (3). National Center for Infectious Diseases. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} The Airborne Transmission of Infection in Hospital Buildings: Fact or Fiction? Indoor Built Environ 2003;12:9–18
4. ^ Roberts, K.; Hathway, A; Fletcher L.A.; Beggs, C.B.; Elliott, M.W.; Sleigh, P.A. (2005-11-27). "Bioaerosol Production on a Respiratory Ward". Indoor and Built Environment 15 (1): 35-40. Sage Publications. doi:10.1177/1420326X06062562. Retrieved on 2007-02-24.

• Putting copper into action: copper-impregnated products with potent biocidal activities - FASEB Journal [1]
• Copper as Biocidal Tool - Medicinal Chemistry [2]
• Endowing Textiles with Permanent Potent Biocidal Properties by Impregnating Them with Copper Oxide - Journal of Textile and Apparel [3]
• Copper Oxide Impregnated Textiles with Potent Biocidal Activities - Journal of Industrial Textiles [4]
• Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms In Healthcare Settings, 2006 - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [5]