The use of silver nitrate in wound management

Ann Ital Chir. 2012 Jan-Feb;83(1):45-8.

Abstract

The use of silver nitrate for chronic wounds such as leg ulcers, as well as burns and acute wounds has already been described in literature. However there is currently conflicting evidence in the literature to support the use of silver nitrate. We present our experience on two cases with extensive co-morbidities associated, where the use of silver nitrate application reduce dramatically the size of large wounds, which eventually healed, avoiding the patients to undergone surgery. Furthermore to reduce pain and distress associated with the application we used local anaesthetic prior to applying the silver nitrate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Ulcer / therapy*
  • Pain / chemically induced
  • Pain / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Silver Nitrate / administration & dosage*
  • Silver Nitrate / adverse effects
  • Wound Healing
  • Wound Infection / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Silver Nitrate