How Does Silver Nitrate Cauterize?

Silver nitrate is a chemical compound commonly used by ENT surgeons to stop nosebleeds as well as obliterate granulation tissue (found around tracheostomy stomas as well as intra-orally).

Medical silver nitrate is typically purchased as matchstick applicators and is usually found in combination with potassium nitrate (75% silver nitrate and 25% potassium nitrate).

When this applicator is combined with water (moisture inside the nose or blood):

AgNO3 + HOH  -->  AgOH + HNO3

Nitric acid (HNO3) is produced along with an insoluble precipitate silver hydroxide (AgOH) which produces the characteristic brownish-white discoloration that can stain clothing as well as skin.

Nitric acid also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid and is what initiates the biologic "cauterization" action. It is also what causes a patient to feel a burning sensation when applied.

Silver nitrate applicator sticks can be purchased on Amazon.com.

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Recipe How to Make Snot Boogers

British researchers are at it again!

The British Society for Immunology have developed a recipe to make your very own authentic-appearing snot of various colors of tan thru green.

Of course, you can make your own the natural way, but here's a more sanitary way with kitchen supplies.

You need:

• 1 tbsp Gelatine powder
• 1 tbsp Hot water
• 2 tbsp Sugar syrup (corn syrup or golden syrup)
• Food colouring
• A plastic container/bag
• Paint brush or dropper

To make your own snot:

1) In a container, mix the gelatine and hot water together, stir quickly until the gelatin dissolves.

2) Using a paint brush or dropper add a very small amount of food colouring.

3) Add the sugar syrup and mix until it goes stringy and snot like.

4) Enjoy!

Keep your snot in the fridge or you might find something growing on it!

Source:
THE SECRET LIFE OF SNOT. British Society of Immunology.

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