Why so Blue?


This week I will be discussing Argyria. Argyria is this really cool disease that displays symptoms of blue/grey-black skin and mucous membranes. This change in skin pigmentation is due to being over exposure of silver. Silver can be deposited into the skin, nail beds, conjunctival membranes, and mucous membranes by either inhalation of silver, ingestion of medications containing silver salts or by industrial exposure. The shade of blue someone turn depends on the amount of sulfur an individual has been exposed to.

Once a mixture containing silver gets into the body it will use proteins or salt to suspend silver particles. The silver particles will then pass into the skin tissue. Once the silver getting into the skin tissue, it is unable to escape and it reacts with UV light which is what causes the blue or black-gray pigmentation. 

Argyria is mainly seen in individuals who have work in silver mines, silver refineries, photographic processing, silverware manufacturing, and jewelry makers. Also, people who consume high dosages medications that contain silver. Some of these medications include, Tetracycline, Penicillin, and Cipro.

So, what can you do if you find yourself turning blue? Nothing! There’s no cure, you’re stuck that way! People have been experimenting with laser treatment but more research is needed to determine whether it is an adequate treatment. The best thing to do is to avoid getting Argyria. Individuals who work with silver should cover their skin with protective clothing; Those who are ill should avoid taking medications that contain silver; and those who wear makeup should avoid cosmetic products that contain silver.  






https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3687674

Comments

  1. JessySeptember 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM

    I have never seen this condition in person but I wonder if that is because many metal jewelries are not real metal or at the very least an alloy. It doesn't seem like there are any adverse side effects other than discoloration which is also pretty cool.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 28, 2017 at 8:11 PM

    I heard of skin turning green from exposure to fake gold, but never heard of skin turning blue from exposure to silver. It also sucks that there isn't a cure for Argyria. You would think there would be one that has been developed by now. Keep up the good work Samson!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Caitlyn GaffneySeptember 29, 2017 at 8:52 AM

    Your posts never fail to make me laugh, "nothing, you are stuck" This was very interesting because I never knew your skin could turn blue due to the exposure of silver. Can't wait to see what disease you tell us about next week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownSeptember 29, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    I have heard about the effects that silver has on people by turning their skin blue, but I never knew the mechanism behind it. It is nice to know that there are way to avoid it by wearing protective gear and I hope that people in jobs with silver exposure are taking the precautions necessary. I don't know anyone that works in such places, but it would cool to see that type of skin color in person! This blog was very informative and easy to comprehend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownSeptember 29, 2017 at 1:36 PM

    I always find your posts so interesting! You bring to light the diseases that the majority of people have no clue exist. I also find it interesting how unique these tale-tell signs are. Hopefully people who are regularly exposed to silver pay attention to their body and follow the necessary precautions. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  6. daniellevuSeptember 29, 2017 at 3:39 PM

    You always hear about gold turning the skin green, but never about silver turning the skin blue. I always read about something new whenever I read your blog! Keep doing what you're doing!

    ReplyDelete

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