a. Advantages.

Use this treatment if topical, antimicrobial creams are not available.

Apply multi-layered occlusive gauze dressings. Change the dressings two to three times a day, moistening the dressings every two hours to prevent the dressings from becoming dry. Silver nitrate soaks have broad, anti-gram-negative activity. This medication decreases the wound heat loss.

b. Disadvantages.

• Application of the medication on the burn area is painful.
• The medication does not penetrate the eschar.
• The soaks promote electrolyte imbalance by causing losses of sodium, potassium chloride, and calcium.
• Dressings impair joint motion and retain heat.
• The soaks discolor the skin and the surrounding environment.
• These dressings, sometimes called silver nitrate soaks, are often ineffective when used on a wound that has an established infection.