The medical benefits provided by copper fall into three main categories
Antimicrobial
Copper effectively deactivates (kills) a broad spectrum of "microbes", specifically through the "microbes" exposure to copper ions. The copper ions act in three ways to deactivate "microbes"; 1) damage the microbe membrane cell wall, 2) damage microbe genetic material (RNA & DNA), and 3) damage microbe proteins. In addition the copper ion interferes with the microbes' numerous biological defense mechanisms in such a way as to make antimicrobial resistance highly unlikely.
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The benefits provided by deactivating or killing "microbes" including significant reduction in odor and/or staining of materials, i.e. garments.
Skin enhancement / Potential wound healing
Because copper is an essential mineral in maintaining the skin, stimulating the production of capillaries, collagen and other key proteins that help stabilize skin layers - it improves the appearance of the skin and has the potential in promoting wound healing.
Anti-dustmite /anti-allergen
Copper also works effectively against the common household dustmite, a common cause of allergies and asthma. Copper can thus transform an allergenic environment into a hypoallergenic one. This effectiveness was recently recognized by the the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the form of a registration of copper-oxide-containing fibers and fabrics for multiple anti-dustmite uses. Journal of Pest Management (11. Mumcuoglu, K.Y., Gabbay, J., and Borkow, G. (2008) Copper oxide impregnated fabrics for the control of house dust mites. International Journal of Pest Management 54(3):235- 240.)