Argyria Blue Skin: Long-Term Exposure to Silver

Argyria is a rare condition that causes blue or silver-gray skin color. This discoloration can happen when the body comes in contact with excessive amounts of silver and experiences silver poisoning. The blue coloring symptom can occur after prolonged exposure to silver or a single significant dose exposure. 

Exposure could occur when silver particles enter the body through the mouth or through skin contact with silver. People with the highest risk for argyria work in occupations where silver is manufactured or who have silver-related hobbies. 

Depending on the severity of argyria and the exposure to silver, the condition could affect life quality or become life-threatening. Silver toxicity or overexposure to silver could lead to significant respiratory problems and hepatic (liver), renal (kidney), neurological, and hematological effects. More data is needed to better understand the effects and levels of concern. 

This article will cover argyria after years of exposure, skin changes related to argyria and silver, complications, prevention, and more. 

Argyria From Years of Silver Exposure

Argyria can occur in people who breathe in or ingest silver particles for extended periods, sometimes after many years. Such an example is silver in medicines taken in small doses over a long period.

But long-term exposure isn't always required for the condition to occur. A single high-dose exposure to a silver compound can cause silver to be deposited into the skin and other body areas. Such exposure can come from silver ions (used in water purification), metallic surfaces, and nanocrystalline silver (used in wound care).

People who work in factories where silver is manufactured can breathe in silver compounds. Some of these workers may develop argyria, although this is much rarer nowadays. Even so, the level of exposure of silver in the air and length of exposure is not always known.

There is very little research on the health effects of skin contact with silver compounds. If argyria appears after skin exposure, the skin color in the affected area might change, but the entire body will not experience skin discoloration. This might be the case when using skin creams that contain silver compounds.

Exposure to silver in high amounts is the only known risk factor for argyria. People who are at the highest risk for argyria include anyone who: 

• Regularly uses eye drops or cosmetics containing silver
• Takes medicines or dietary supplements containing silver
• Works in occupations with prolonged exposure to silver, such as silver mining and refining, jewelry making, silverware and metal alloy manufacturing, and photographic processing.  
• Enjoy silver-exposure hobbies, such as jewelry-making and photographic processing.
  

Wearing silver jewelry, such as ear or other body piercings, could cause the skin in the piercing area to become blue or gray. The discoloration will go away after the jewelry is removed. 

Colloidal Silver and Argyria

Colloidal silver, which contains tiny silver particles in a liquid, can lead to argyria. Most companies that sell colloidal silver supplements claim they boost the immune system and can treat diseases like cancer and HIV, but there is no scientific evidence to back those claims up.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements containing colloidal silver are not effective or safe. Further, silver supplements have no known health benefits.

Argyria, Blue Skin, and Silver

Argyria is characterized by one single symptom—blue or gray skin discoloration. A 2022 report says this as an "aesthetical nuisance" that can lead to "embarrassment and social withdrawal."

Research on workers at silver mines and silver-processing facilities shows argyria can occur after long-time exposure to silver (more than 15 to 20 years). The skin of these workers appeared bluish-gray or bluish-brownish. Upon examination, these workers had no significant pathologies or health issues related to other internal body systems.

Skin discoloration may also affect the mucous membranes, including the lips, gums, and nasal passages. The conjunctival membranes of the eyes (the white areas) might also have discoloration.

Complications From Argyria

Argyria is not known for causing severe symptoms or complications.

Death from overexposure to silver is rare. Exposure to some types of silver, including soluble silver, can produce some toxic effects. This could include liver and kidney damage, blood cell problems, and irritation to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and intestinal tract.

Metallic silver does not appear to cause these problems. 

Skin Protection With Argyria

Skin coloration from argyria does not go away. However, you can take preventive action to keep your skin from getting darker. For example, if you must work with silver, cover your hands with gloves and other skin areas with protective clothing. You will also want to avoid dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics containing silver.

When outdoors, protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent further discoloration. You will also want to keep your skin covered when in the sun. 

Depigmenting creams and chelation therapy might help to lighten skin color. Some medicines, including potassium iodide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, methenamine, and D-penicillamine/N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine, hydroquinone, and dermal abrasion, have been found effective for removing silver deposits in the body.

Laser therapy has also been found to be successful in improving skin color. This appears to be a promising treatment and could potentially reduce the effects of the skin condition and its psychological effects (i.e., depression and anxiety related to skin appearance). 

How Far Are Researchers From an Argyria Cure?

There is currently no cure for argyria. But a few studies on laser treatments have shown promise for improving skin discoloration.

Restored skin color has been reported to last up to one year after treatment. However, there have been cases of recurrence after 11 months. Laser treatment has not been used universally, so more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. 

Summary

Argyria is a rare condition that causes the skin to turn blue or gray from overexposure to silver. While not life-threatening, the condition can affect mental health due to concerns about skin appearance. 

Exposure to silver in high amounts is the only risk factor for argyria. People who work in occupations where they are exposed to high amounts of silver for long periods have the highest risk for the condition. Taking colloidal silver and other silver-containing dietary supplements might also lead to the condition.

Argyria causes one single symptom—blue and/or gray skin discoloration. That skin discoloration might also affect the mucous membranes (lips, gums, and nasal passages) and the whites of the eyes. 

There is no cure for argyria. Treatment aims to reduce discoloration. Some studies show that laser treatment may return skin color to its natural appearance, although further research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.