If silver builds up in the body over a long time, it can cause a condition calledargyria.
Although rare, argyria causes tissue to turn a bluish-gray color.
When ingested, silver deposits in the skin and other organs and does not dissipate.
Piotr Rulka / EyeEm / Getty Images
It is especially prevalent in areas of skin exposed to the sun.
Piotr Rulka / EyeEm / Getty Images
What Is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silveris a liquid containing tiny silver particles suspended in the solution.
It is sometimes taken as ahomeopathic remedyor dietary supplement.
A colloid is a mixture containing small particles of one substance evenly distributed throughout another substance.
Why Do People Take Colloidal Silver?
Some eye drops to prevent conjunctivitis in newborns also contain silver.
When used topically, in small amounts, silver is not thought to cause argyria.
However, there are no oral prescription or over-the-counter drugs containing colloidal silver that are legal.
Colloidal silver is a commercial product sold as a dietary supplement.
How much silver is required to cause argyria remains unknown, as does the exposure duration.
Studies report varying lengths of exposure from eight months to five years.
Once argyria occurs, the color change to the skin is irreversible.
Other Side Effects
Argyria itself is not dangerous, but it is also not reversible.
If you decide to take colloidal silver, it is essential to tell your healthcare provider.
They can monitor your care and advise whether it will interact with other medications you are taking.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Colloidal silver: what you better know.
Lencastre A, Lobo M, Joao A.Argyria - case report.An Bras Dermatol.
Cupp MJ, Tracy TS.Colloidal silver.
In:Dietary Supplements.
Forensic Science and Medicine.Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.
2017;29(1).
2013;5(3):107-115.
