Argyria is characterized as a rare skin disease that witnesses a patients’ mucus membranes become muted with gray and black tones, therefore leading to severe discoloration of the skin. The development of a disease such as this may severely impact a person’s quality of life in a profound way. Unfortunately, certain outside factors may increase the rate in which this condition is diagnosed. Of particular concern, however, is the established link between argyria and the excessive use of colloidal silver. Prolonged exposure to products containing colloidal silver may significantly increase a patients risk of developing argyria.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with argyria after ingesting colloidal silver, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Colloidal Silver Argyria Lawsuit Overview
Colloidal silver consists of microscopic silver particles that are typically suspended within water. The medical uses of silver include its incorporation into wound dressings to treat external infections, and its use as an antiseptic and disinfectant in medical appliances. The silver ion (Ag+) is bioactive and in sufficient concentration readily kills bacteria. Silver also kills bacteria in external wounds in living tissue, so physicians use wound dressings containing colloidal silver to treat external infections.
Colloidal silver has recently been marketed in several health food and dietary supplements as an alternative medical remedy since the 1990s. While the effectiveness of these products has never been scientifically proven, consumers purchase dietary supplements containing colloidal silver in hopes of receiving a “cure-all” approach to their ailments. Common applications of colloidal silver include the treatment of AIDs, cancer, infectious diseases, parasites, chronic fatigue, acne, warts, and hemorrhoids.
However, medical authorities and publications strongly advise against the use of colloidal silver treatment. Healthcare providers acknowledge that its distinct lack of proven effectiveness does not outweigh the potential complications that may ensue. Patients who receive colloidal silver treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing argyria. Due to the severe nature of this condition, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential colloidal silver argyria lawsuit.
Argyria
Otherwise known as the “disease of the living dead,” argyria is a rare skin condition that is characterized by a distinct blue or gray discoloration of the skin resulting from excessive exposure to silver compounds. When colloidal silver is consumed over a prolonged period of time, it is difficult for the body to rid itself of excess silver compounds that have begun to accumulate. Accordingly, the body tends to revert the excess silver into the skin cells to get rid of it. The presence of excess silver in the skin cells prevents the flow of oxygen and blood from reaching the dermis, resulting in the severe discoloration of the skin. This “silver poisoning,” as it has been deemed, prevents victims from going out in the sunlight, otherwise the patient risks darkening their tint or skin color.
In addition to severe skin discoloration, the development of argyria may severely impact a patient’s quality of life in a profound way. Of significant concern, is the mental stigma that may affect those diagnosed with argyria. Severe emotional trauma has the inherent ability to alter chemical reaction in the brain, which may permanently affect the way in which an individual responds to unique situations. These events can completely overwhelm a person’s ability to cope with the event, leading to severe long-term consequences, including mental illnesses such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Eventually, emotional exhaustion may set in, making it difficult to think clearly or concentrate on anything except negative feelings. This can cause a person to become emotionally detached or dissociated, which is a coping mechanism to “numb” all feelings. A person who has suffered emotional trauma may seem distant, cold, preoccupied, or emotionally unavailable. Severe emotional trauma can lead to despair, loss of self-esteem, lower confidence, panic attacks, and depression. If you have taken colloidal silver and are worried about suffering from these complications, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering by filing a colloidal silver argyria lawsuit.
Argyria Symptoms
The following symptoms have become synonymous with argyria:
- Staining of the gums that extends to skin of hands, forehead and nose, where the area is exposed to the sun the most.
- Skin becomes blue or bluish-gray colored
Argyria Treatment
Unfortunately, argyria is a rare skin condition without an effective form of treatment. Skin discoloration is often irreversible and untreatable. However, attempts at lessening the skin pigmentation have begun to break ground. Treatment with depigmenting preparations has proven to be satisfactory; however, according to some reports, 5 percent hydroquinone treatment may reduce the number of silver molecules in the upper dermis and around sweat glands and help to restore some of the skins natural color. Additionally, sunscreens may be helpful in preventing further darkening of the skin, and cosmetic camouflage may be useful in disguising its appearance.
Do I Have a Colloidal Silver Argyria Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in colloidal silver argyria lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with argyria after ingesting colloidal silver, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.