evidence: Since the 1990s, colloidal silver has started to regain popularity as an alternative medicine, with advocates claiming that it can replace antibiotics or other medical therapies to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. [...] To date, the only effective use of colloidal silver in humans is topical application to wounds and burns. Even then, its benefits are [...] Today, colloidal silver is used as an alternative medicine to ward off bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its proponents claim that it treats various diseases, such as cancer, HIV, Lyme disease, and diabetes.