Silver Nitrate Sticks in Dermatology: Practical Applications

Are you looking for information about silver nitrate sticks to treat your wounds? Silver nitrate sticks are a common carry-around stick that contains a natural inorganic chemical compound with antimicrobial properties which can promote effective wound healing, manage pain, and prevent infections. While these sticks are greatly beneficial in treating skin or mucous membrane wounds, treating them requires proper guidelines for effectively treating the wound without any side effects. Learn about silver nitrate stick’s uses and guidelines on how to use it to treat the wound 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.

 

What are silver nitrate sticks?

Silver nitrate is a natural inorganic chemical compound that has antimicrobial properties. That’s why it is used in burning off the skin to stop bleeding or prevent a wound from getting infected. It also became popular as a cauterizing agent in the 13th century and is available as a solution or an applicator stick. These applicator sticks are known as silver nitrate sticks or caustic pencils and contain silver nitrate or potassium nitrate.

When applied to wounds, silver nitrate sticks can deliver free silver ions to the tissues that bind the tissue and obstruct vessels. It also removes granulation tissue or warts on the skin. It can be used on the skin or mucous membranes, the moist inner lining of areas like the nose or mouth. It doesn’t cause any major side effects; however, it can cause burns or strains if not handled properly.

 

Uses

Silver nitrate sticks are an amazingly effective treatment option to boost the clotting process to hemostasis (the process of stopping the bleeding from the blood vessel). Here are some other uses:

  • Non-genital warts, verrucae, skin tags: The chemical reaction of silver nitrate sticks can destroy the targeted tissue.
  • Anterior epistaxis (nosebleed): This stick can be applied directly to the blood vessel or mucous membrane in the nostril to control nosebleeds.
  • Post-biopsy cervical nicks or cervical ectropion: Silver nitrate can be applied to the cervix to seal off cells responsible for bleeding.
  • Hyper granulation tissue (over granulation, exuberant, or proud flesh tissue): It can also treat granulation tissue in wounds and stoma sites.
  • Painful aphthous stomatitis: A single treatment with silver nitrate sticks can be helpful for pain relief.
  • Vasomotor rhinitis: This is used to treat the nasal mucosa’s trigger area.
  • Umbilical stumps: Silver nitrate can treat infectious lesions and granulomas by drying and falling off.
  • Skin ulcers: It also helps to treat chronic wounds by aiding healing.
  • Wound epibole: Silver nitrate may renew the healing process.

If you want to know more about silver nitrate sticks or need help with a wound, visit our dermatology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical 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.