Evidence supporting the use of: Silver nitrate
For the health condition: Lesions

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Silver nitrate has a well-established scientific basis for use in the treatment and management of lesions, particularly in dermatology and wound care. Its primary mechanism of action is as a chemical cauterizing agent, which means it is used to destroy or remove unwanted tissue through a chemical reaction. Silver nitrate sticks (also called lunar caustic) have been widely used in clinical practice to treat superficial lesions such as aphthous ulcers, warts, granulation tissue (e.g., overgrowth at wound sites), and minor skin lesions. The application of silver nitrate causes coagulation of cellular proteins and necrosis of tissue, leading to the removal of abnormal or excessive tissue growth. Numerous clinical guidelines and medical textbooks reference the use of silver nitrate for cauterization of minor skin and mucous membrane lesions. For example, it is commonly used to treat umbilical granulomas in newborns and to stop minor bleeding in superficial wounds or nosebleeds. Its antimicrobial properties also contribute to its effectiveness in preventing secondary infections at the lesion site. However, its use should be carefully controlled to avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue. While the evidence base is largely from clinical experience, case reports, and smaller studies rather than large randomized controlled trials, the consistency and longevity of its use in medical practice provide a strong scientific rationale for its application in lesion management.

More about Silver nitrate
More about Lesions

Products containing Silver nitrate

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.