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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Discolored Skin Around The Belly And Penis After Using Silver Nitrate For Treatment?

My pediatrician used silver nitrate to treat my two week old son s belly button, which had a small amount of drainage, after the cord fell off. Now there is still drainage and the skin around the belly button is discolored (a grey to purple color). I also noticed a purple discoloration to the top of his penis. It appears that the top of his penis touched his belly button and got silver nitrate on it. Should I be concerned?
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Thanks for putting up your query at HealthCareMagic. I understand the cause of your concern. Silver nitrate is safe and if it touched the penis, there is no need to be concerned. But the cause of purple discolouration of the top the penis is not clear from the description that you have provided. I suggest that you consult your paediatrician about this. A discolored bellybutton, usually blue or purplish, is often caused by an umbilical hernia. But that is normal in newborns and you need not worry as the condition generally gets corrected on its own. Information about whether the baby was born preterm would have been helpful.

I hope that helps. Feel free to revert back with further queries if any.
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What Causes Discolored Skin Around The Belly And Penis After Using Silver Nitrate For Treatment?

Thanks for putting up your query at HealthCareMagic. I understand the cause of your concern. Silver nitrate is safe and if it touched the penis, there is no need to be concerned. But the cause of purple discolouration of the top the penis is not clear from the description that you have provided. I suggest that you consult your paediatrician about this. A discolored bellybutton, usually blue or purplish, is often caused by an umbilical hernia. But that is normal in newborns and you need not worry as the condition generally gets corrected on its own. Information about whether the baby was born preterm would have been helpful. I hope that helps. Feel free to revert back with further queries if any.