Should you consider silver nitrate treatment for your wounds? Silver nitrate treatment is one of the oldest treatment methods to treat skin wounds. Not only does it boost healing, but its antimicrobial properties also prevent infections which makes it a good option for treating wounds. Learn all about silver nitrate sticks through FAQs in this article. If you notice changes in the appearance of your skin, you can consult the best dermatologist in East New York. Please contact Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center.

FAQs on the use of silver nitrate

These FAQs help you understand everything you need to know about silver nitrate sticks.

1. What are silver nitrate sticks and their uses?

Ans. Silver nitrate is a natural, inorganic chemical compound used in a medical treatment called cauterization, a process to treat wounds by burning bleeding tissue with a chemical (silver nitrate) to stop the bleeding and prevent the wound from getting infected due to its antimicrobial properties. It also accelerates the clotting process to achieve hemostasis.

Silver nitrate is either used as a solution or an applicator stick (which is known as a silver nitrate stick or caustic pencil). These stick tips contain a combination of 75% silver nitrate and 25% potassium nitrate which makes it an effective chemical cautery agent. Certain brands of silver nitrate sticks can be bent or shaped to increase the ease of access to the wound in the targeted area. These sticks get activated when they come in contact with moisture. When it’s applied to wounds, it delivers free silver ions to the tissue to form an eschar to bind the tissue and obstruct vessels. It can be applied on the skin or mucous membranes (moist inner lining of areas like the nose or mouth). Although silver nitrate doesn’t cause major side effects, it can cause chemical burns and stains if not handled properly. Here are the most common uses of silver nitrate:

• Non-genital warts, verrucae, skin tags: The chemical reaction of silver nitrate can permanently destroy these targeted tissues.
• Anterior epistaxis (nosebleed): The stick can be directly applied to the blood vessel or mucous membrane in the nostril in emergencies to control nosebleeds.
• Post-biopsy cervical nicks or cervical ectropion: It can be applied to the cervix to seal off cells responsible for bleeding.
• Hyper granulation tissue: It is used to treat granulation tissue in wounds and stoma sites.
• Painful aphthous stomatitis: A single treatment with silver nitrate sticks can provide pain relief.
• Vasomotor rhinitis: Silver nitrate sticks can be applied to the trigger area of the nasal mucosa to treat it.
• Umbilical stumps: Silver nitrate can treat infectious lesions and granulomas and make them dry up and fall off.
• Skin ulcers: It is applied to chronic wounds to aid healing.
• Wound epibole: Silver nitrate is applied to epibole to renew the healing process.

2. How do you apply silver nitrate sticks to the wound?

Ans. Silver nitrate stick treatment is first given by the doctor in their clinic or office. Later on, after you learn how to apply it, you can apply it at home. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Wash your hands with soap and water and then wear gloves.
• Remove the wound dressing properly and then change your gloves.
• Clean the wound with a sterile normal saline solution. Then, remove the gloves, wash your hands, and wear new gloves.
• Now, confine the area around the wound that needs to be treated with petroleum jelly or equivalent to prevent the healthy skin from getting damaged from silver nitrate sticks.
• Cover the wound base tissue with moistened normal saline gauze to protect it from any silver nitrate spillage. Make sure drips of silver nitrate will not settle on any surface, as it causes stains and burns.
• If your wound is moist enough, you can directly apply the silver nitrate stick. However, if the wound is dry, then activate the silver nitrate stick by dipping it in distilled or deionized water.
• To apply on the tissue, rub and rotate the tip of the stick along the tissue to be debrided. 2 minutes of contact time is mostly sufficient, keep in mind that the degree of caustic action depends on the quantity of silver nitrate applied, which is also governed by the length of time the moistened tip stays in contact with the tissue. Avoid touching any other part of the body, cloth, or furnishing with the tip. Depending on the size of the area that needs to be debrided, more than one stick may be needed.
• Monitor the patient closely for their response to the procedure including pain and discomfort. If a patient complains of pain, then stop the procedure.
• Use damp saline gauze to gently clean the treated area after the procedure and dry it by patting it to prevent trauma to surrounding tissue. Avoid rubbing or applying friction to the treated area.
• Remove gloves and if needed, apply any other prescribed treatment to the wound.

3. What are the contraindications of silver nitrate treatment?

Ans. There are some contraindications of silver nitrate treatment you should know before using it for treating the wound with it. It includes:

• If the person is sensitive or allergic to silver.
• This only be used if prescribed by the physician for hyper granulation tissue linked with enterocutaneous fistula, exposed bowel within a wound, or a burn or frostbite injury.

4. What are the side effects of silver nitrate treatment?

Ans. Silver nitrate doesn’t cause any major side effects; however, it may cause stains or burns if not properly handled. The most potential side effect is discoloration of the skin. If it worsens with time, then you should consult with your healthcare provider.

5. What are the precautions you should take while treating the patient with silver nitrate sticks?

Ans. Silver nitrate needs to be handled carefully when treating patients with it. Here are some main precautions you should take while treating with silver nitrate sticks:

• Silver nitrate is very caustic to skin or clothing, that’s why you should wear protective equipment while working with it.
• Excess silver nitrate needs to be neutralized immediately with 0.9% or stronger saline and then washed away with water.
• As silver nitrate is a corrosive substance, it’s only applied to the tissue that needs to be treated. To protect the surrounding skin from silver nitrate, use a suitable barrier, such as petroleum jelly. To prevent the application area from oozing; cover it, if necessary.
• Silver nitrate can reduce fibroblast proliferation, so it’s not recommended for prolonged or excessive use.
• Some patients may experience pain or burning during treatment with silver nitrate. So, they should consider medications before the procedure, including topical anesthetic to lower discomfort.
• Keep it out of range from children. Its accidental swallowing can cause toxic gastroenteritis which may lead to coma, convulsion, paralysis, profound alternation of respiration, and even death. In case your child swallows it, call an emergency medical service or poison treatment center.

6. How should you store silver nitrate sticks at home?

Ans. You can store silver nitrate sticks at room temperature in a dry place out of light because silver nitrate oxidizes and turns dark brown upon exposure to light, however, it doesn’t reduce its effectiveness or utility. Exposure to moisture can cause the tip to break or loosen from the applicator. Keep it away from vaporous chemicals.

Silver nitrate sticks are highly effective in treating different types of wounds because they promote healing by reducing inflammation and risk of infection all the while activating the natural healing process. However, it needs to be handled properly during treatment to prevent staining or burns. That’s why proper instructions need to be followed and you need to do it under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

If you want to know whether silver nitrate treatment is good for your wounds or not, call us to get a consultation. For better help, visit our dermatology clinic in Brooklyn to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Book your appointment now to avoid unwanted waiting. At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated to providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.