Examination of the Cutaneous Absorption of Copper After the Use of Copper-Containing Ointments

Abstract

Because copper-containing ointments are frequently used in anthroposophical medicine, a phase I trial to investigate the cutaneous absorption of copper was conducted. Sixty-one volunteers were randomized [group A: 0.4% copper (I) oxide, 13 men and 18 women (19-55 years); group B: 20% elementary copper, 11 men and 19 women (18-70 years)]. The ointment was applied over a 4-week period followed by a 4-week wash-out phase. Serum and urine copper concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and hair copper concentration by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry. For statistical analysis, the Student t test for related random samples was used; alpha = 0.05 was chosen for the standard error. In group A, an increase of copper in serum and scalp hair and a decrease in urine were found in the study period. The mean serum concentration in all premenopausal women using oral contraceptives was above normal. In group B, the serum copper concentration increased significantly; in urine, it decreased, and in scalp hair, it remained stable. A higher level of serum copper was found in female volunteers using hormonal contraception. Treatment with the 2 different ointments did not cause toxic irritations on the skin, and it can therefore be deduced that the appropriate application of ointment preparations containing copper in concentrations up to 20% do not present a toxic risk.

Facial Skin Lifting and Brightening Following Sleep on Copper Oxide Containing Pillowcases

“…demonstrated [24,25]; (c) once absorbed, the copper ions induce proliferation of fibroblast cells; stimulation of dermal fibroblasts proliferation by copper ions has been demonstrated [38]; (d) the absorbed copper ions also stimulate the production and secretion of collagen, fibronectin and integrin by the dermal fibroblasts, as previously demonstrated [15,39]; (e) new ECMs are formed, and following the ECM formation, the copper ions stabilize the ECMs directly [22,40] and indirectly via serving as a cofactor of several enzymes, such as lysyl oxidase, needed for efficient ECM protein cross-linking [16]; (f) the newly formed and stabilized ECMs increase the firmness of the facial skin and its elasticity [1]. Copper oxide containing socks have been shown to increase the skin elasticity upon use [32]; and (g) increased skin elasticity and firmness results in reduced sagginess [41].…”

“…Copper is found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, avocado and chocolate, and in food multivitamins and additives. Trace amounts of copper ions are absorbed through the dermis when the skin is in contact with copper containing products [24,25]. Copper containing ointments are used, for example, in the treatment of cramps, swelling associated with trauma, rheumatic disease and disturbances of renal function [26].…”

“…Copper containing ointments are used, for example, in the treatment of cramps, swelling associated with trauma, rheumatic disease and disturbances of renal function [26]. Preparations containing copper in concentrations up to 20% were found not to cause any adverse reactions or toxicity [24].…”

Virgin olive oil blended polyurethane micro/nanofibers ornamented with copper oxide nanocrystals for biomedical applications

“…22 In contrast, the unpleasant skin response to copper is negligible. 23 Conclusively, considering the potential of nanofibrous polyurethane (PU) membrane to enhance epithelial growth 5 and the aforementioned applications of olive oil and copper, an organic/ inorganic hybrid micronanofibrous dressing was fabricated via facile electrospinning. We believe these biodegradable micronanofibers aid in quick healing as well as decrease the risk of wound infection.…”

Improvement to Foot and Skin Appearance by Using Copper Oxide Impregnated Socks - A Report of a Large Scale Internet Based User Survey

“…These factors are needed for cell proliferation, epithelization, production and secretion of collagen, elastin, integrins and fibrinogen, protection against free radicals and extracellular matrix protein cross-linking stabilization [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The absorption of copper ions through skin has previously been demonstrated [10,11].…”