Silver nitrate is an oxidant and must, therefore, be kept away from organic compounds. Despite its widespread usage (especially in extremely low amounts) for the prevention of gonorrhoea and to stop bleeding from the nose, silver nitrate is often highly toxic and corrosive. Short-term exposure to this compound does not cause any immediate side effects apart from the development of a violet, brown or black stain on the part of the skin that was in contact with the silver nitrate. However, exposure to this compound over long periods of time is often accompanied by damage to the eyes. This compound is widely classified as an irritant to the skin and the eyes.