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Silver nitrate
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About silver nitrate
| Type of medicine | Caustic agent |
| Used for | Removal of warts and verrucas Umbilical granuloma (a piece of tissue that remains on a baby's belly button after the umbilical cord has fallen off) |
| Also called | Avoca® |
| Available as | Pencil |
Silver nitrate is caustic and works by causing the skin to shed.
Before using silver nitrate
Before using silver nitrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are taking or using other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to use silver nitrate
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Rub the wart or verruca gently with an emery file to remove any dead skin. Using a little water, moisten the tip of the silver nitrate pencil and apply to each wart or verruca for 1-2 minutes. Apply the protective dressing. Repeat after 24 hours. One further application may be applied to warts and four further applications may be applied to verrucas if necessary. Leave 24 hours between each application.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not apply silver nitrate to broken or inflamed skin.
- Only apply this preparation to warts or verrucas. Try to avoid the surrounding skin.
- Silver nitrate can stain the skin This should disappear soon after finishing your course of treatment. The pencil can also stain fabric, so try to avoid contact with clothes and furniture.
- Do not allow silver nitrate to come into contact with the face, eyes, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.).
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can silver nitrate cause problems?
| Common problems | What can I do if I experience this |
| Skin burns on surrounding area | Protect normal areas of skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) around the wart or verruca |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store silver nitrate
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
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