ARGYREMIA

Abstract

Argyria, the discoloration of skin or tissues caused by silver absorption, is considered extremely rare in modern medicine, but during the past few years it has reappeared with surprising frequency. The history of the subject, known also as argyrosis or argyrism, has been adequately reviewed by Gettler, Rhoads and Weiss¹and by David.²According to its nature, argyria is designated as local or general; according to its origin it is occupational (professional) or therapeutic. The awakened interest in the subject is due to an increased occurrence of generalized argyria of therapeutic origin. Many new cases have been caused by the intranasal and intra-oral administration of organic and inorganic silver compounds in colloidal form.³In these instances argyria has resulted not so much from treatment by the medical profession but from the lay practice of administering the preparations, particularly to children, as a daily routine for the prevention