Argyria Research Paper

Argyria, or more commonly known as blue skin disorder, is a condition in which the skin turns purple of purple-grey in color. This is due to the acquisition of silver or silver compounds in the body. Generally this rare skin disorder only has cosmetic effects and is not a lethal condition. However argyria is mainly incurable and irreversible.

There are two forms of argyria, generalized argyria and localized argyria. Generalized argyria affects large areas of the visible surface of the body while local argyria shows in limited regions of the body. Localized argyria results from use of substances containing silver. An example of these substances include some kinds of eye drops. Generalized argyria results from chronically swallowing/inhaling compounds that contain silver.

One major issue with the blue skin disorder is that it can be embedded into the genes and passed on to future generations. There have been few cases of genetic transmission of argyria, but one of the more notable cases is that of a family in Kentucky that occurred in the …show more content…
“The medicinal uses of silver dates back to the beginning of medical history.” It is currently used as an antibacterial agent in chronic wound care product, medical devices, and certain textiles. The coloring of the skin is not only caused by the acquisition of silver or silver compounds in the body, but also by the stimulation of melanin synthesis. “ The reason why the gray color is more evident on photo exposed skin areas is unknown. It is believed that silver attains a brownish-black tone through a chemical reduction reaction or through a photo mediated exacerbation of stimulatory effect on melanin synthesis.” Other than the accumulation of silver in the body, some other causes of blue skin disorder include the intake of certain medicines, and lack of oxygen in blood or cyanosis. All of these could cause darkening of the