Argyria is a rare condition caused by excessive exposure to silver, resulting in a blue discoloration of the skin. It can be localized or universal and can lead to serious complications. Treatment involves ending silver exposure and minimizing discoloration with topical ointments and cover-up makeup. Prevention is key, and silver supplements should be avoided.
Argyria is a blue discoloration of the skin resulting from excessive exposure to silver. Silver metal workers, people who mine silver, and people who take colloidal silver supplements can develop this rare condition. Once the condition develops, it is very difficult to treat. Continued exposure to silver through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation can cause serious complications.
There are two types of argyria: localized and universal. Topical treatments such as nasal sprays contain silver compounds that can cause localized argyria to the mucous membranes. Some tattoo colors also have a silver base, which can cause localized argyria. Medications now rarely include silver compounds, and reputable tattoo shops don’t use silver in any of their dyes. Silver tooth fillings contribute a slight risk of developing the condition, so as a result, fillings usually do not contain silver today.
Universal argyria occurs when people ingest silver particles in medicines or through exposure to fine silver dust. In these cases, the blue color of the skin is more prevalent but may initially be noticed mostly on areas of the skin that receive sun exposure. The face, hands, and chest may all turn bluish-gray. In the worst cases, all skin turns blue, and organs such as the spleen and liver may also have a bluish cast.
Continued exposure to silver compounds can lead to serious complications, which can include fatty degeneration of major organs, thrombocytopenia, persistent bronchitis, loss of coordination, and night vision impairment. If these symptoms and blue skin tone are ignored, silver toxicity can develop, resulting in grand mal convulsions and paralysis of the respiratory system, which is fatal.
This condition is usually diagnosed by taking a medical history and examining the blue spots under fluorescent X-rays. Skin biopsy in sites that look more like argyria can also show evidence of too much silver in the skin. Generally humans have about 1 milligram of silver in their bodies and this disease can occur with as little as 4 grams in the body. It is more common for people to have 20 to 40 grams of silver in their bodies when they show argyria.
Most treatments focus on ending the silver exposure. Continued exposure can lead to the above complications. This disease is often thought of as simply a cosmetic skin condition, but there are few treatments that help get rid of the blue color in the skin. Some doctors suggest that a topical hydroquinone ointment helps minimize discoloration.
Patients are also advised to use sunscreen and some may even wear cover up makeup if the blue tint is very pronounced. Since there are few cures, the focus is on prevention. In fact, in developed countries, argyria is relatively rare, as long as people don’t take silver supplements.
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