Pigment

Argyria

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Argyria, Silver Poisoning, Colloidal Silver Poisoning

  • See Also
  1. Skin Discoloration
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Silver salt deposition in skin
  2. Excessive oral silver intake (e.g. Colloidal Silver)
    1. Historically silver was used for antibacterial properties before Antibiotics were available
    2. Unfortunately patients still use colloidal silver in a mis-guided self-treatment
    3. Silver deposits in tissues (including skin) when renal and hepatic excretion is insufficient for intake
  3. Topical chronic contact exposures (localized blue-gray skin Skin Discoloration)
    1. Occupational (Silversmith, Welders)
    2. Jewelry
    3. Acupuncture needles
    4. Silver NitrateTattooing
  • Symptoms
  1. Asymptomatic
  • Signs
  1. Permanent blue-gray to bronze discoloration of skin, mucosa
    1. May be limited to localized dark blue Macules
    2. May result in generalized gray-blue skin disocoloration
  2. Darker coloration where skin exposed to light
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. See Hyperpigmentation
  2. See Skin Discoloration
  • Complications
  1. Limited to cosmetic effects in most cases
  2. Seizures
  3. Liver Injury
  4. Renal Injury
  • Management
  1. Laser Skin Procedures may be effective
  2. Other treatments are ineffective (e.g. hydroquinone, Penicillamine, Dermabrasion)
  • Resources
  1. Colloidal Silver (Quackwatch)
    1. https://quackwatch.org/related/phonyads/silverad/
  • References
  1. Gauer (2026) Am Fam Physician 113(5): 495-6 [PubMed]