An unusual medical condition has caught the attention of doctors and the public. Argyria, a rare disorder caused by the accumulation of silver in the body, has left people with a permanent gray or blue-gray skin tone. Though such a transformation might seem like a scene from a science fiction movie, it is very real—and the effects are long-lasting.

In this article, we shall look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of argyria. We shall also address its risks, preventive measures, and new research on the condition.

Argyria is a condition resulting from the long-term accumulation of silver in the human body, leading to the permanent discoloration of skin, eyes, and other tissues especially when exposed to sunlight. This condition results primarily from the overexposure to silver particles due to occupation or ingestion of compounds containing silver.

A case that gained much attention was that of an 84-year-old man in Hong Kong, whose ashen color complexion resulted from his exposure to silver. This man had initially been admitted to the hospital upon noticing a change in his skin color. Through further analysis, silver granules were identified within his skin tissues, blood vessels, and sweat glands. His blood tests revealed that his serum silver concentration was 40 times higher than normal, and he was diagnosed with argyria. Although he claimed to have no direct exposure to silver, the case revealed the hidden dangers of silver accumulation in the body.

How Does Silver Accumulate in the Body?

Most frequently, argyria is caused due to the ingestion and inhalation of silver or a compound containing the metal. As the silver particulates enter through the bloodstream in such cases, silver deposits in nearly all tissues- skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, or even the brain.

The commonest symptom presenting in argyria is, of course when silver accumulates in the skin. Light-exposure to silver triggers a form of photoreduction with the ultraviolet components of sunlight to take on a tinge of bluish or even grayish skin. This has also been implicated in other sites, including those in the fingernails and gums, plus the eyes of some patients who develop this. Internal organs sometimes take on blueish tinges, such as the liver or spleen but only through X-rays or another medical imaging modalities.

Who Is Likely to Get Argyria?

Argyria is currently an infrequent disease, though historically, the prevalence was more pronounced. This is mainly because during the 19th century, most people had intensive exposure to silver. Some common uses of silver during the same period were its application in various industries like mining and processing and as medication. The present leading causes of argyria include:

Ingestion of Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is a liquid solution that has tiny particles of silver, which is mostly sold as a dietary supplement. Those who ingest colloidal silver for purported health benefits—used allegedly to boost the immune system to treat everything from diabetes and cancer—risk argyria. The use of colloidal silver has not been supported by scientific research; experts in health also warn consumers from using such.

Work Exposure

People working in silver-related industries like silver mining, manufacturing, or jewelry making. If the workers have an extended exposure to silver particles suspended in the air or deposited on the skin.

Prolonged use of medication that contains silver compounds as a component. An example of such medication is eyedrops or nasal sprays. Silver accumulation in the body may occur with a prolonged duration of medication use.

Genetic predisposition

Some rare genetic factors may predispose a few people to the condition.

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Symptoms of Argyria

The main symptom of argyria is the gradual appearance of bluish-gray or grayish discoloration of the skin, mainly in areas exposed to sunlight. The color change is permanent and may cause psychological distress in most patients. Other symptoms of argyria include:

• As silver builds up in the body, fingernails may darken.
• Dark spots may appear on the skin, especially in skin areas that receive regular exposure to sunlight.
• The whites of the eyes (sclera) turn a bluish-gray color.
• In some cases, argyria patients may report mild symptoms including stomach discomfort, fatigue, or headaches.
• Over time, internal organ damage such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys may occur due to silver buildup; however, these symptoms are not always observable.

The condition is not fatal, but the symptoms may be uncomfortable, and the discoloration is permanent.

How is Argyria Diagnosed?

Argyria is usually established by a case history, medical examination, and laboratory tests. A crucial diagnostic method is to undertake a biopsy on the affected areas of the skin, which, in turn can show silver particles in the tissue. Blood examination can also tell the concentration level of silver inside the blood of the patient after the diagnosis. After establishing this diagnosis, another step is toward the cause or reason behind deposition of silver.

Treatment and Management

Currently, there is no treatment for argyria. The coloration due to the condition is irreversible. However, there are several measures to help manage the appearance of the condition:

• Regular application of sunscreen can prevent the coloration from worsening since exposure to UV rays accelerates the photoreduction process.
• Though not universally successful, some patients have undergone laser therapy to minimize the appearance of the coloration, though success varies.
• Many individuals use makeup to cover the grayish tint of their skin and restore a more natural appearance.
• Some topical treatments, such as 5% hydroquinone, may help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of the discoloration.

In addition to cosmetic treatments, it is essential for individuals to avoid further exposure to silver or silver-containing compounds to prevent the condition from worsening.

Is Argyria Preventable?

Preventing argyria is largely about avoiding unnecessary exposure to silver. If you are taking dietary supplements or medications that contain silver, consult with your healthcare provider to explore alternative options. People who work with silver should ensure that their workplace adheres to safety regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) exposure limits for silver dust.

Argyria is a rare but serious condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s appearance and well-being. Although modern exposure to silver is less common than in previous centuries, certain lifestyle choices, such as using colloidal silver as a supplement or working in silver industries, still pose a risk. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of argyria is key to minimizing its impact on health. Although it has no known cure, precautions and proper remedies can be availed to lessen the impact brought about by the condition.

Argyria an unrecognized cause of cutaneous pigmentation in Indian patients. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2013

ARGYRIA. JAMA Network. 1937

Argyria. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025

When Todd Engel, based in Maryland, first noticed a change in his vision, he did not think it would change the rest of his life. However, within months, the 62-year-old went from working a full-time job and driving to becoming legally blind in both eyes. Now, Engel is suing Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic - the drug he believes took away his vision.

An Irreversible Loss

Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his type 2 diabetes. After four months later, he was diagnosed with nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is a rare condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and causes sudden and irreversible vision loss.

"He made a comment to me about how it’s painful to know he’s never going to see his wife smile again," said Engel’s attorney Jonathan Orent, who spoke to NBC News. "But he knows her voice so well, he can tell when she is smiling."

As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects about 10 in every 100,000 people over the age of 50. For Engel, the diagnosis meant that he no longer would work his job as a motor equipment operator. He also lost his ability to drive and the way he connects with his family.

What Does His Lawsuit Allege?

Filed in New Jersey’s Middlesex County Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to properly warn users about the potential risk of NAION. Engel's legal team argues that the company was aware of the condition during early clinical trials but still chose not to include it in the warning label.

“Nothing was or is stopping Defendant from adding a warning regarding the risk of NAION,” the lawsuit states.

Had Engel known about a potential link between Ozempic and blindness, Orent said, he would have chosen a different medication. “There are a wide number of medications that can be used to treat diabetes — and treat it effectively,” Orent said to NBC News.

What Do Research Say About Ozempic And Blindness?

Ozempic, and its active ingredient semaglutide, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. Recent studies have hinted at a possible link between semaglutide and NAION — though causation hasn’t been confirmed.

A 2024 study which analyzed six years of medical records from Boston patients found that people with diabetes who took semglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

Even more striking, overweight or obese people without diabetes who took the drug were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

However, researchers noted this study wasn’t a randomized clinical trial and said more investigation is needed before drawing conclusions.

In February 2024, a separate paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology reported a more modest increase in the risk of NAION for people with diabetes on Ozempic. Like the earlier study, it also stressed the need for further research.

What Do The Manufacturers Say?

Novo Nordisk's spokeperson told the NBC News that current evaluations, including internal safety reviews and a study from the University of Southern Denmark found no causal relationship between NAION and Ozempic.

The company said that NAION is not listed as an adverse drug reaction. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the spokesperson said.

Ever thought those weekend binges, skipped workouts, or stress-fueled all-nighters in your 20s wouldn't matter later? Think again. The truth is, those early habits don’t just fade—they follow you. And by your 30s, they often come knocking in the form of low energy, poor sleep, creeping weight, or even anxiety. But here’s the good news: small, healthy choices now can completely rewrite that story. Ready to see how your everyday habits are shaping your future health? Let’s dive in.

It turns out the consequences of your twenties don't just haunt your social media feed—they may be silently impacting your long-term health well before you reach middle age. A groundbreaking study published in the Annals of Medicine has revealed that bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity begin taking a measurable toll on mental and physical health by the age of 36.

This research, led by Finnish scientists and conducted over the course of more than 30 years, offers one of the most comprehensive glimpses yet into how unhealthy lifestyle choices in early adulthood accelerate aging and disease risks, and perhaps more crucially, when exactly those effects begin to show.

Why 36 Is a Wake-Up Call for Health?

While much of previous research has focused on health deterioration starting in midlife, the new longitudinal study flips the script by starting earlier. Scientists from Finland followed over 300 individuals born in 1959 in the city of Jyväskylä from childhood into their early 60s. Health assessments were conducted at ages 27, 36, 42, 50, and 61, offering an unparalleled timeline of how unhealthy behaviors impact wellbeing over decades.

The researchers found that even by age 36—what many consider still "young adulthood"—participants who consistently smoked, drank heavily, and exercised infrequently already showed notable declines in both mental and physical health. This suggests that the damage doesn’t start in your 40s or 50s. It begins much earlier, and once set in motion, it compounds.

Measurable Impact of Risky Habits

The three behaviors monitored—smoking, heavy alcohol use (defined as over 875 units/year for women and 1,250 for men), and exercising less than once a week—were assessed alongside health outcomes like depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, self-rated health, and a metabolic risk score that measured blood pressure, waist size, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers.

Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, lead author of the study and a health scientist at Laurea University in Finland, emphasized the urgency of early intervention. “Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours as early as possible to prevent damage from building up over the years,” she explained.

Unhealthy Habits Are Interconnected

One of the most compelling insights from the study is the recognition that the relationship between poor habits and poor health is likely two-way. A person under chronic stress may turn to drinking or smoking to cope, leading to more health issues, which in turn worsen stress and mental health—a vicious cycle.

This echoes similar findings from large-scale studies, such as the ongoing Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. These studies emphasize the interconnected nature of diet, physical activity, and mental wellbeing across decades of life.

Not Just Physical, Mental Health Pays the Price Too

Interestingly, the study separated out which habits affected which aspects of health the most. Smoking was most closely tied to poor mental health outcomes, while lack of exercise impacted physical health most significantly. Heavy drinking, perhaps unsurprisingly, was associated with declines in both mental and physical wellbeing.

This finding is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where mental health concerns are on the rise among younger adults, and alcohol use among Americans has increased significantly, especially among women and young professionals.

Are Millennials and Gen Z At High Risk?

Though the data primarily pertains to individuals born in the late 1950s and early 1960s, researchers caution that its findings are still broadly applicable. However, younger generations may face different lifestyle risks—such as increased screen time, vaping, and dietary imbalances—that weren't as prevalent in earlier cohorts. Therefore, the health impact timeline could shift, but the underlying message remains: the earlier you adopt healthier behaviors, the better.

High-profile figures like Adele, Rupert Grint, and A$AP Rocky—all around the age of 36—have publicly grappled with smoking and drinking. Adele, who quit smoking at 23, cited concerns about her vocal cords. Rupert Grint revealed he gave up smoking when his daughter was born in 2020. These personal transformations reflect a growing awareness among public figures of the need to shift lifestyle habits before long-term damage becomes irreversible.

How to Build A Healthy Lifestyle?

Perhaps the most hopeful message from the study is that change is possible. Dr. Kekäläinen reiterates: “It is never too late to change to healthier habits. Adopting healthier habits in midlife also has benefits for older age.”

So, what are the takeaways for someone nearing or in their 30s?

• Begin exercising regularly—even once a week has a measurable benefit
• Reduce or quit smoking as soon as possible
• Practice moderation in alcohol consumption
• Seek mental health support when experiencing stress or depressive symptoms
• Maintain regular health check-ups to monitor metabolic indicators

Your 30s aren't just about career milestones or starting a family—they're a crucial checkpoint for your health journey. The choices you make today will echo through your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

In mid-2023, the tech mogul and self-proclaimed biohacker, the anti-age crusader Bryan Johnson began a new chapter in his longevity journey. He is already known his extreme anti-aging regimen - Project Blueprint. He has turned his attention to something unconventional. However, it is a telling health metric: nighttime erections.

He has now started a daily dose of 2.5mg of tadalafil (Cialis). He has set out to track and enhance what he calls a crucial "vital sign". His goal is not performance, but optimization. He tells his followers on X, the results were "titanic".

By early 2024, Johnson had added focused shockwave therapy and Botox injections to the mix. Within three months, he says, his nighttime erections improved by 34%. It has clocked in at quite an impressive three hours, with biological equivalent of an 18-year-old.

It Is Not Just About Sex

While the idea of three-hour erections may sound like a punchline, Johnson is pretty serious about it. "Nighttime erections," he explains, "are a strong biomarker of cardiovascular, psychological, and sexual health." These spontaneous erections during sleep can reflect a man’s overall physical and vascular health.

What is interesting to see is that he also maintains that Cialis itself is unlikely to be the sole driver of his sexual function improvements. While the drug is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction, Johnson says it mainly supports long-term health. His claims are that it helps with improved heart function, cognitive health, and reduced urinary symptoms in men.

The Therapy Protocol

In order to push his results further, Johnson also turned to shockwave therapy. This is a treatment that involves acoustic pulses delivered via a wand to the penis.

The shocks cause micro-injuries that stimulate blood flow and tissue repair - not unlike how muscles grow after a workout. However, it is not a spa day. Johnson rated that the pain is 7 on a scale of 10. When it is "at the tip", the pain goes up to 9 on a scale of 10.

Alongside the shockwaves, Johnson began Botox injections, which might sound bizarre but are backed by emerging science. Botox, typically used to reduce facial wrinkles, is thought to relax the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, allowing more blood flow and potentially firmer erections.

ALSO READ: The Longevity Diet: Bryan Johnson Eats 3 Meals In 6 Hours—With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What Are The Results Like?

After three months on this combined protocol, Johnson says his nighttime erections rose from 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours. Despite the gains, he reportedly sleeps alone, keeps an 8:30 p.m. bedtime, and schedules sex, if at all.

His larger aim? To maintain all his organs — brain, liver, teeth, even his rectum — at peak teenage condition through strict diet, 111 daily supplements, and intensive routines.

While Johnson’s methods are extreme, he hopes they help reduce stigma. “Men, if you’re not performing how you’d like, there are many paths to improvement,” he said. “There’s no shame in this — in fact, it will make you more of a man to address it head-on.”