Argyria colloidal silver blue skin#

Argyria colloidal silver blue skin#

However, many people who have used skin creams containing silver compounds such as silver nitrate and silver sulfadiazine have not reported health problems from the silver in the medicine. gallon water or 2.6 grams per liter) is likely to be life-threatening.Īrgyria that covers the entire body is not seen following skin contact with silver compounds, although the skin may change color where it touches the silver. Studies in rats show that drinking water containing very large amounts of silver (9.8 grams of silver per U.S. It is also not known what level of silver causes breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, or stomach pain in people. However, the level of silver in the air and the length of exposure that caused argyria in these workers is not known. In the past, some of these workers have become argyric.

People who work in factories that manufacture silver can also breathe in silver or its compounds. Reports of cases of argyria and an EPA statement suggest that gram amounts (from 1 to 4 grams) of silver or a silver compound taken in medication in small doses over several months may cause argyria in some humans. Most doctors and scientists believe that the discoloration of the skin seen in argyria is the most serious health effect of silver (in non-extreme doses). However, the condition is thought to be only a 'cosmetic problem'. Once argyria develops, it is generally believed to be permanent, though some have claimed to have reversed it. It is likely that many exposures to silver are necessary to develop argyria. A single exposure to a silver compound may also cause silver to be deposited in the skin and in other parts of the body however, this is not known to be harmful. Argyria occurs in people who eat or breathe in silver over a long period (several months to many years). Since at least the early part of the 20th century, doctors have known that silver or silver compounds can cause some areas of the skin and other body tissues to turn gray or blue-gray.