Argyria

Excerpt

Argyria is an acquired condition caused by the exposure to or ingestion of silver, and it presents with the insidious onset of gray or blue mucocutaneous discoloration. The word argyria is derived from the ancient Greek word for silver, argyros. Argyria can cause localized or generalized skin pigmentation, depending on the form of silver exposure. Silver, in its elemental form, is a precious, white transition metal. It exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of all the metals, giving it a wide array of uses.

Silver has a diverse role in society, from jewelry to filtration devices. Silver coins can be found in various economies as a financial currency. Interestingly, the phrase "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" refers to health instead of wealth. Silver spoons, as well as silver pacifiers, were once believed to prevent childhood illnesses. The medicinal and health benefits of silver still resonate in the current society because of the oligodynamic effect. The antimicrobial property of silver is related to the released Ag ions and their ability to interact and irreversibly damage bacterial membranes.