Medical expert of the article
New publications
Argyrosis
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
When silver (in ancient Greek – argyros, in Latin – argentum) accumulates in the body’s tissues, a disease such as argyrosis or argyria may occur.
In the ICD-10 section on toxic effects of metals, this condition has the code T56.8 (with dermatological specification).
Epidemiology
Argyrosis is rare, and there are no exact statistics on registered cases. However, since the development of this condition requires long-term exposure of the body to silver nanoparticles, it usually occurs in fairly mature and elderly people. [ 1 ]
Causes argyrosis
The main causes are the abnormal effects of chemical compounds of silver or its fine particles (silver dust) on the skin and mucous membranes - with prolonged contact with them - or ingestion as a result of industrial exposure or the iatrogenic action of pharmacological agents containing silver salts.
These include silver nitrate, colloidal silver – a liquid suspension of microscopic silver particles (these are the intranasal drugs Collargol and Protargol used in otolaryngology), silver-containing eye drops, as well as external agents (containing silver salts) with antiseptic and antimicrobial action – for the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, trophic ulcers, pyoderma, etc.
Silver deposition stains the skin and mucous membranes gray or blue-gray.[ 2 ]
Risk factors
Risk factors for the development of argyrosis have been identified, such as long-term human contact with silver and its compounds during the extraction and purification of silver, the production of silver products and alloys, metal films on glass, etc.
The impetus for accumulation of this metal can be prolonged use of the above-mentioned drugs, constant use of cosmetics with silver ions or taking various supplements (dietary supplements) with colloidal silver. By the way, as the FDA officially states, such supplements are unsafe and ineffective.
Pathogenesis
While studying the pathogenesis of argyrosis (argyria), experts came to the conclusion that, due to professional activity and prolonged contact with the skin, silver nanoparticles are able to directly (mechanically) impregnate it.
After ingesting soluble forms of silver, almost 10% of the silver that has entered the body is absorbed in the small intestine, from the intestine it is transferred to the blood and, binding to plasma protein, penetrates into the tissues. And most of all it is deposited in the skin (in the basement membrane of the epithelium), cornea and mucous membranes. [ 3 ]
Under the influence of UV radiation, the silver-protein compound undergoes photoreduction with the formation of metallic silver, which is oxidized by tissue enzymes to practically insoluble inorganic compounds - silver selenide and sulfide, which have the appearance of dark gray and brown-black granules (less than 1 µm in size).
In addition to argyrosis, exposure to soluble silver compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, irritation of the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and intestines, and changes in the blood.
Symptoms argyrosis
The most characteristic symptom of argyrosis is blue, bluish-gray or ash-gray skin color. The degree of such pigmentation is directly related to the amount of silver present.
There are different types of argyrosis: generalized (with damage to large areas of skin exposed to sunlight, including the face, ears, hands, nails, eyes) [ 4 ] and localized - on limited areas of the skin, mucous membrane, on the conjunctiva of the eyes or Descemet's membrane of the cornea (which can cause the whites of the eyes to become gray-blue). [ 5 ]
The first signs of generalized argyrosis are gray-brown discoloration of the gums.
Localized argyrosis – in the form of light brown to dark blue spots – is usually caused by direct external contact with silver compounds, such as after the use of topical agents.
Diagnostics argyrosis
The diagnosis is made by a dermatologist, who conducts a medical examination and finds out what medications or dietary supplements the patient is taking.
Analysis is limited to skin biopsy of pigmented areas and histopathological examination of the sample.[ 8 ]
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis should include methemoglobinemia, hemochromatosis, melanoma, [ 9 ] alkaptonuria, exogenous ochronosis (caused by phenol derivatives) and focal pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva.
Who to contact?
Treatment argyrosis
The pigmentation caused by silver deposits is irreversible, and there is no effective treatment for argyrosis.
Although laser therapy or laser dermabrasion may be of limited help.
Prevention
It is possible to prevent argyrosis by limiting the use of medications containing silver and not taking dietary supplements with colloidal silver.
And prevention of exposure to silver compounds at work - appropriate safety equipment.
Forecast
The prognosis for overall life expectancy for argyrosis is favorable, but not for quality of life, since the condition does not go away even after exposure to silver has ceased.
Thus, in her childhood, American Rosemary Jacobs was treated for allergic rhinitis with colloidal silver nasal drops, which led to her developing argyrosis. And she described this disease in her book, Argyria: The Life and Adventures of a Silver Woman on Planet Earth.