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Silver NitrateHow Does Silver Nitrate Work On Human Wounds?
John Staughton
When you fall and scrape your knee as a child, your mother probably
applied a bit of antiseptic and slapped a Band-Aid on it before sending you
back off onto the playground.
Our body is quite good at recovering from minor injuries, and has a
number of built-in tools to help the body heal.
However, there are those instances of more serious damage to our tissues
or body that may require a bit of artificial help beyond Neosporin.
Furthermore, in certain conditions when infection is already present or
highly likely, some sort of defense is essential.
For nearly 200 years, medical practitioners
across the world have been using silver nitrate (AgNO3)
The application of the chemical is different than
most medical procedures you may be familiar with, yet it remains in use to this
day!
Silver nitrate is an inorganic compound that has a number of applications
in various industries, from photography to electron microscopy.
However, when it comes to medical applications, the antiseptic and
cauterizing qualities of this compound make it quite valuable, particularly
outside of a formal hospital setting.
This compound is used topically in the case of more serious wounds that
may have deeper granulated tissue formation, or rolled/calloused edges, as
these conditions will encourage infections.
Furthermore, due to the caustic nature of silver nitrate, it is able to
stem the flow of bleeding and cauterize the edges of a wound, effectively
sealing up capillaries.
The method of topical application differs slightly, depending on which
type of silver nitrate you are using.
For cauterizing and disinfecting open wounds, silver nitrate applicator
sticks should be used, and this is the primary form you will find.
However, you can also use silver nitrate to treat warts and skin tags, in
which case a silver nitrate ointment should be used.
Silver Nitrate Sticks
The silver nitrate applicator sticks are composed of both silver nitrate
and a small amount of potassium nitrate, and become activated when the tips of
these sticks (which look like long matches) are exposed to water.
Without the introduction of water, the sticks are harmless and
inactivated, but when it touches water, the chemical reaction is catalyzed, at which
point the sticks can be applied directly to the site of the wound.
However, to safely and properly apply silver nitrate
to a wound, significant safety precautions should be taken.
Essentially, if the reason you are using silver
nitrate is to disinfect the wound, you should make every effort not to further
contaminate the wound. This begins with removing the bandage from the wound
with clean gloves, cleaning the wound with a sterile solution, donning new
gloves between each step, and finally applying a boundary around the wound.
Remember, silver nitrate is very caustic, and while
it can be beneficial to protect the damaged tissue of a wound, it can also
cause discomfort and damage to perfectly healthy tissue.
The petroleum jelly will form a boundary to restrict
the active area where the silver nitrate will operate.
The intensity of the “burn” from the silver nitrate
is based on how long the activated stick is applied to the tissue.
For most wounds, it is recommended that you gently
rub and twirl the stick for no more than two minutes, as this should be
sufficient for it to take effect.
Does Silver Nitrate Hurt?
While there may be some discomfort or sensation at the application of
silver nitrate, it should not be a painful treatment, per se, and you should
stop if you experience any painful burning.
Once the stick has been applied, gently pat the area dry with damp gauze,
and then dry gauze, before re-covering the wound or applying any other
foundational salves or medicines to the site of the injury.
Depending on the severity and type of wound, application frequency and
duration can range from 1-2 times per day for a few days up to multiple weeks.
Speaking with your doctor about these more specific details
for wound care is critical!
Precautions to Take When Using Silver Nitrate
While this is a rather rudimentary treatment, and far less complex than
many other modern-day treatments or procedures, it can also be dangerous, so
proper precautions must be taken.
Some of the key guidelines and tips to remember when using silver nitrate
on a wound include the following:
§ Although there
is not a flame on the edge of this matchstick-looking applicator, it can still
cause a burn on your skin, clothes or other objects if left in contact (once
activated with water).
§ Always apply
petroleum jelly in a protective ring around the edge of the wound to reduce
your chances of damaging healthy tissue.
§ If you
experience a burning sensation or pain, discontinue immediately; you can then
apply saline to the site if you wish to dilute or wash away some of the excess
chemical.
§ Use protective
equipment when applying this so the site of a wound, including gloves, both to
minimize potential infection and accidental contact with the activated
silver nitrate.
§ Do not use
silver nitrate for an extended period of time, as it will prevent fibroblast
formation, which is necessary for the normal healing process.
§ Before applying
silver nitrate at home, be sure to speak with a medical practitioner, or have
the wound looked at by a professional. If a wound does require that sort of
extra attention, it it likely serious enough that it should be seen by a doctor
first!
A Final Word
Despite being in the age of incredible medical miracles, there are still
some relatively “ancient” techniques from the last couple centuries that remain
effective and essential in certain parts of the world where medical attention
may not be easily accessible or of a high quality.
Silver nitrate applicators and creams rely on basic chemical properties
and function as a reliable first line of defense for serious lacerations and
wounds on the skin.
This chemical compound is a short-term solution that promotes the
long-term healing process.
John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana. He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.
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