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| '''Silver nitrate''' is a chemical compound with chemical formula AgNO<sub>3</sub>. This nitrate of silver is a light-sensitive ingredient in photographic film and is a poisonous, corrosive compound. Silver nitrate crystals can be produced by dissolving silver in nitric acid and evaporating the solution. The compound notably stains [[Skin|skin]] a greyish or black color that is made visible after exposure to sunlight. | | '''Silver sulphadiazine''', a sulfa drug, is often used in treating second- and third-degree burns in helping prevent and rid them of infection. It has also been used to good effect in quelling [[Ink Allergy|tattoo ink allergies]]. Sulfas are effective topical [[Antibiotic|antibiotics]], but should not be used by those who are pregnant. |
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| Silver nitrate has been used as an [[Antiseptic|antiseptic]], dropped into newborn babies' eyes at birth. This is to prevent contraction of gonorrhoea or chlamydia from their mother. A very weak solution is used for this, (about 1%) and there are very few side effects.
| | Approximately one in one million of the general population are allergic to sulfa; topical application of a sulfa to one who is allergic can cause pain, itchiness and/or necrotization of the surface tissue. |
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| Mythically, silver nitrate was used as a method of killing vampires, with the silver nitrate generally being injected into a bullet cartridge or used in a [[Hypodermic needle]].
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| Fused silver nitrate, shaped into sticks, was traditionally called lunar caustic and used as a [[Cauterizing agent (page does not exist)|cauterizing agent]].
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| It can also be used in wound management to 'knock back' over-granulation of tissue in healing wounds such as ulcers and sinuses.
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| == AgNO<sub>3</sub> Cautery ==
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| Silver nitrate can be used in a medical environment as a chemical cauterizing agent and medicinal caustic. A typical applicator is composed of 75% silver nitrate with 25% potassium nitrate. As the silver nitrate contacts with water (in the blood) the compound goes into solution forming nitric acid. The acid subsequently is responsible for the cautery effect. As mentioned above this will typically result in a black or greyish staining of the skin. This staining is caused by the accumulation of the silver and will typically go away as the body rids itself of the mineral.
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Latest revision as of 11:31, 17 September 2023
Silver sulphadiazine, a sulfa drug, is often used in treating second- and third-degree burns in helping prevent and rid them of infection. It has also been used to good effect in quelling tattoo ink allergies. Sulfas are effective topical antibiotics, but should not be used by those who are pregnant.
Approximately one in one million of the general population are allergic to sulfa; topical application of a sulfa to one who is allergic can cause pain, itchiness and/or necrotization of the surface tissue.