Silver nitrate burns following treatment for umbilical granuloma.

Three infants treated for umbilical granuloma with silver nitrate suffered chemical burns to the periumbilical area which prompted visits to the emergency department. Treatment was conservative, and the outcome was good in all cases. We recommend caution when applying silver nitrate to the umbilicus, careful drying of the umbilical exudate to prevent spillage, and discussion with parents that burns may occur but apparently are not serious. The possibility of secondary infection is discussed.