Are you looking for information about the use of silver nitrate to treat keloid scars? Well, the answers are here. Silver nitrate treatment can be used as an effective treatment for keloid scars. However, silver nitrate also has its risks. Learn how effective silver nitrate is for keloid scars treatment 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.

Keloid scars – what do they look like?

These scars are thick, irregular-looking, and look larger than the original wound. It generally has a skinny, raised appearance which can cause minor discomfort. It ranges from flesh color to red or purple and can develop a variety of textures.

Generally, keloid scars are harmless, but some people find them distressing. In rare cases, they can be itchy, painful, or uncomfortable. Once keloids start to form, they can continue to grow for years which increases the risk of scars. Some keloids can grow as large as a grapefruit.

This can happen anywhere on the body however, it mostly occurs on the upper chest, head, shoulders, and neck. It is rarely seen anywhere on the face but may appear on the jawline. It is not dangerous, but some people may be concerned about it because of its appearance.

Use of silver nitrate

Silver nitrate is a chemical that is used in cauterization treatment, which is a process of burning off the skin to stop bleeding or prevent a wound from getting infected. It’s also used to remove granulation tissue or warts on the skin.

It comes as an applicator stick to apply on the skin or mucous membranes, which is the moist, inner lining of areas like the nose or mouth. Although silver nitrate doesn’t cause side effects, it can cause chemical burns or stains if not handled properly.

Pros and cons

There are several pros and cons of using silver nitrate treatment.

Pros

1. It’s easy to carry around because it comes in a compact stick/chemical form which is easy to take anywhere.
2. It can be used on dry skin or mucous membranes (moist, inner lining of some organs and body cavities such as the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach).
3. It can be used at home for minor injuries or wounds to promote healing and prevent infections.

Cons

4. It needs to be effectively used otherwise, it can cause chemical burns or stains on the skin.
5. In some cases, it can discolor the skin after treatment.
6. It needs to be activated with distilled or sterile water before applying, otherwise, it will not work.

Risks and warning

Silver nitrate can cause some serious health issues which may be even higher for certain groups of people. That’s why you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist first before using it. It includes:

• Skin discoloration: Using silver nitrate on mucous membranes or open wounds repeatedly or keeping the silver nitrate medication for too long can raise the risk of argyria (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin). It happens because silver compounds of silver nitrate get into the tissue areas such as the skin or mucous membranes like your gums. However, it may disappear slowly over time. If this worries you, ask your doctor.
• Keep it away from children: You should keep silver nitrate away from children to avoid skin damage or accidental poisoning because swallowing silver nitrate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which lead to life-threatening complications like coma, seizures, paralysis, or trouble breathing. That’s why always keep the silver nitrate on the shelves above where kids can’t reach it.

In case someone accidentally swallows silver nitrate, you should call for emergency medical help or a poison control center.

Benefits of silver nitrate for keloid

These are the benefits you can get by treating keloid scars with silver nitrate:

• Doctors have found that using silver nitrate solution instead of curettage or electrodesiccation makes the crust thinner and it falls off quickly. Otherwise, it needs to be removed with forceps which leaves a macerated, oozy base.
• Silver nitrate also instantly seals the erosion or the raw area where the crust is removed. However, it may sting a little and make the area black.
• The pain also disappears quickly, and the risk of bacterial infection gets lowered with the antibacterial properties of the silver.

Silver nitrate for keloid scar treatment is a good option because it helps to make the crust thinner, falls off quickly and instantly seals the eroded area which reduces pain and lowers the risk of bacterial infection due to its antibacterial properties. However, it may cause discoloration or accidental poisoning if you’re not careful. That’s why you should talk about the benefits and risks with your doctor first before using silver nitrate treatment.

Need help with keloid scar treatment, visit our dermatology clinic to get professional treatment. Call us to book your appointment today. 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.