Silverfish (argyria) is the result of the accumulation of silver compounds in the body. A characteristic gray-blue color of the skin appears then, which does not disappear even after discontinuation of silver - it remains for the rest of life. What are the other symptoms of silver glaucoma? Who is most at risk of developing it?

Silver (argyria)is a disease caused by long-term (external or internal) use of silver compounds. In nature, this metal is not very common, incl. in soil, as well as in minerals - argentite, kerargyrite (horn silver). Silver is used as a raw material for jewelery, electronic parts, batteries, chemical equipment, coins, and mirrors. Silver compounds play an important role in medicine (e.g. colloidal silver, which has, among others, bactericidal properties).

Srebrzyca (argyria) - reasons

Silver can be absorbed by the body through the respiratory system and the skin. After getting into the bloodstream, it goes to the liver, which is the organ responsible for the deposition of this element in the body.

To induce silver disease, the minimum oral dose administered for six months would need to be between 25 and 30 g¹. The daily human intake of silver is estimated at 1.8 - 80 μg, most of which is removed.

In the past, silverfish referred to members of royal families in Europe and the aristocracy, which from the constant use of silverware and cutlery had a slightly bluish skin (hence the term "blue blood"). Currently, silverfish is very rare and affects people who have direct contact with silver, e.g. silver mine workers in poor countries where safety standards are not met. People who come into direct contact with metallic silver are largely at risk of being absorbed into the body through the skin. In addition, argentine can appear in people who abuse silver compounds to heal themselves.

Worth knowing

Man is exposed to silver daily, mainly by breathing, drinking water, eating food. Scientists estimate that 98-99 percent. of supplied silver is excreted from the body on the second day, and the remaining 1-2 percent. accumulates in the human body.

Silverfish (argyria) - symptoms

Symptoms of silver dermatitisappear after about 6 months or even a year (depending on the dose taken) of regular silver intake.

Skin discoloration does not disappear after discontinuation of silver preparations - it remains for life.

The first characteristic symptom of silver dermatitis is the blue discoloration of the gum line. Then there is an irreversible change in the color of the skin and mucous membranes (gray-blue or brown-gray) and nails. Even black spots with a metallic sheen may appear on the body.

If you regularly use silver-containing eye drops, the color of the eyeballs may change as a result of an accumulation of an element in the cornea and capsule of the anterior lens.

The color of internal organs as blue or gray-blue is also characteristic. In extreme cases, silver can be found in moderate amounts in urine and feces, as well as in saliva.

Important

Exposure to silver can lead to a blue-gray discoloration of the skin. Further, chronic medical or industrial exposure to silver can cause kidney and liver disease, and hardening of the arteries, and silver deposition in the eye sockets can cause visual impairment .²

Srebrzyca (argyria) - treatment

The gray-blue discoloration of the skin remains for life. You can only try to reduce the intensity of the color by applying laser therapy.

Bibliography:

1. Żelazowska R., Pasternak K.,Precious metals: silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt) in biology and medicine , "Bromatology and Toxicology Chemistry" 2007, No. 22 Bugla-Płoskońska G., Leszkiewicz A.,Biological activity of silver and its application in medicine , "Kosmos. Problems of Biological Sciences" 2007, vol. 56, No. 1-2

Category:

Dermatology