Colloidal Silver Facts

All About Argyria

EPA Integrated Risk Information System - Silver

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Lots of great background information. As you read, notice that Argyria was evident only after GRAMS of liquid containing silver compounds were ingested/injected and only after prolonged periods of deposition.

Stories

There are only a few few stories about your skin turning blue (or silver) from using colloidal silver. The most widely discussed testimony related to argyia is that of Rosmary Jacob who spoke before the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, on May 9, 1999. It should be pointed out that in her testimony she is describing the use of a compound that contains silver. Argyria is typically caused by compounds that are molecularly bound to silver (usually protein compounds). She was not describing colloidal silver that is produces silver ions/colloids in steam distilled water produced through the process of electrolysis.

Flash! Apparently, Stan Jones in Montana is also showing signs of argyria. See the story.

Keith L. Egli, in his article, Argyria: Consequences of using an antiquated medication, American Academy of Physician Assistants, May 2000, states that "The exact composition of the drops used by this patient (Rosemary Jacobs) is unknown. Both Strong Silver Protein and Mild Silver Protein Solutions, however, were recognized in the National Formulary before 1961. Directions for the use of both preparations read: "Antiseptic for application to mucous membranes. If for nose, hold head well back and instill 2 or 3 drops every 3 or 4 hours." In addition, this cautionary note was included: "Prolonged or continued use may result in permanent discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes."

More information on Argyria:


Note: The case below describes a condition caused, once again, by a silver compound, not pure ionic/colloidal silver suspended in water.

[Argyriasis. Report of a case].

[Article in Spanish]

Pardo-Peret P, Sans-Sabrafen J, Boleda Relats M

A case of argyriasis in a 45-year-old woman is reported. When the patient was 34 she took for a period of 25 months a silver-containing pharmacological product (colloidal silicon with 0.5 percent of silver) in order to treat an intestinal dyspepsia with diarrheic episodes. A few months after discontinuing the treatment a cutaneous pigmentation of a greyish-blue color extending over the whole body, developed. There was also discoloration of the nails, hair, and of the oral and gingival mucosae. The differential diagnosis with other conditions that also develop anomalies of cutaneous pigmentation was established. It is thought that the appearance of the silver poisoning is due to different factors such as the quantity of silver intake, the individual sensitivity to the metal, and the greater or lesser period of exposure to sunlight. The importance of the skin biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis is commented on. Typical pathologic findings include the presence of silver granules in the basal membrane of sudoriparous glands, around the pilosebaceous follicles, and in the connective tissue. Lastly, the authors insist on the necessity to avoid the prescription of silver-salt containing drugs as far as possible, since the cutaneous pigmentation is irreversible.

PMID: 529874, UI: 80119210




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