Argyria
Argyria ( ἄργυρος of Greek argyros, Silver) is an irreversible, slate-gray or gray - bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, caused by ingestion of silver ( as metallic silver, silver dust, colloidal silver, silver-containing drugs or silver salts ) and as disease is ranked among the dyschromias. Argyria can be both generalized and occur locally as argyria. Argyria seems after a " peak " at the beginning and middle of the 20th century, being now become a rather rare disease. Argyria is sometimes confused with the term agyria.
The term argyria goes back to the German physician Johann Abraham Albers from Bremen, who introduced the term in 1816.
The generalized form of argyria
In the generalized form of argyria the entire skin surface is affected by the discoloration, especially in areas that were exposed to sunlight.
In the past, argyria was observed among others by taking silver-containing nasal drops, silver-containing medications, smoking cessation of silver tablets silver dust, silver- lollies and colloidal silver. Occupational exposure to silver salts or dust was in the past also cause argyria. The gray color of the skin is due to the influence by light deposition of silver-containing granuli. In these granuli silver sulfide has been repeatedly demonstrated. The silver deposits are located in the skin, especially in areas that were exposed to sunlight. Find particularly near the sweat glands, but also the basal membrane at Argyrikern this silver-containing " granules ". But also in other organs silver can be deposited. In addition to the deposits it comes to increased melanin synthesis, which affects the skin with discoloration. The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is not affected by the silver deposits. The regular renewal of the epidermis thus can not contribute to a decrease in discoloration. To create a generalized argyria, it requires high amounts of silver. The cumulative intake of more than one gram of silver can cause argyria already after publication of the EPA authority. Older information from technical literature are based on minimum amounts of 1.5 to 1.8 grams. Argyria is to be distinguished from acute Silberintoxikation and there are only very few other symptoms besides skin discoloration that have been scientifically described in the context of argyria. These include night blindness and kidney failure. One of the first discoloration, observed in the Argyria, the lunulae of the fingernails.
The argyrosis
The argyria is that of argyria corresponding localized deposition of silver, mostly in the eye. Local discoloration caused by silver were in silver earrings, silver- Liner, local application of silver nitrate, a long time left in the tissue silver acupuncture needles and observed with the use of silver-containing surgical sutures. Since silver with appropriate exposure also has antimicrobial and low antiviral properties, it is used to support wound healing and high silver concentrations in the wound area have resulted in the past in rare cases to a local but permanent discoloration.
Amalgam Tattoo (English amalgam tattoo ) or mucosal Tattoo rare discoloration of the gums are called, which are attributed to the fact that amalgam particles ( also silver containing, then referred to as silver amalgam) during dental procedures using drills in injured gums are introduced and then can lead to local discoloration.
Treatment of argyria
A satisfactory treatment of this disease ( which represents a significant and stigmatizing cosmetic problem for those affected ) is not known. Laser skin treatments and therapies with high doses of vitamin E and selenium are currently being tested.