Cauterizing agent

Silver nitrate, as a solution or as a powder on a stick applicator, is occasionally used in the external ear canal as a cauterizing agent. It may be applied to granulation tissue or to the site of a superficial infection. Generally, it is well tolerated however, if it is excessively applied and bone is exposed, the area does not heal, and surgical correction may be required. 

DCA is used as a cauterizing agent in the treatment of all types of warts, calluses, corns, xanthelasma, seborrheic keratoses, ingrown toenails, etc. It is just as effective as other methods such as electrodessication or dry ice. 

In Brown (1875), a paste of bloodroot and zinc chloride was specified as a cauterizing agent for local cancers (p. 346). Reapplication was continued until the entire cancerous mass was dead then it would slough off. Brown noted that the juices of poke, laurel, bloodroot, and yellow dock also served the same purpose. 

Silver nitrate, an ophthalmic antiseptic and topical cauterizing agent, is nsed in the prevention of gonorrheal ophthalmia neonatornm and to treat indolent wounds, destroy exnberant grannlations, freshen the edges of ulcers and fissnres, provide styptic action, and treat vesicular bullous or aphthous lesions. 

OTHER COMMENTS manufacture of inorganic and organic nitrates used in the manufacture of nitro compounds for fertilizers, dye intermediates, and explosives useful in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, jewelry manufacturing and in engineering industry use as a cauterizing agent for sterilization of badly infected wounds, such as a bite from a rabid animal. 

Uses Mild cervicitis, postpartum cervicitis/cervical tears, post cauterization, post cryosurgery, post conization Action Hydrating agent removes excess keratin in hyperkeratotic conditions Dose 1 applicator full intravag hs x 2- wk Caution [C, ] w/ viral skin Infxn Disp Vag cream SE Stinging, local irritation EMS None OD Unlikely to produce life-threatening Sxs... 

In addition to its use in treating the eyes of newborn babies, silver nitrate has a number of other medical applications. It is used as a germicidal wall spray in medical facilities, as a topical (on the skin) anti-infective agent, for the cauterization of wounds, and as a general antiseptic. Cauterization is the process by which the skin surrounding a wound... 

Today, silver nitrate AgNOj is used to cauterize wounds by converting nitrate to nitric acid. At the same time acting as a sterilizing agent and preventing infection with its anti-microbial properties. Silver is sometimes used to purify municipal water supplies. 

Chemical peeling is a common dermatosurgical procedure, which is basically an accelerated form of exfoliation induced by the use of a chemical cauter-ant or escharotic agent on the skin. It has been known since ancient times and modified by different workers over several decades. But, it was only in 1980, when Stegman s benchmark work on the histological changes of wound injury after chemical peeling provided scientific basis for the classification of peels [1]. 

---