A case of generalized argyria

Abstract

A 73-year-old female presented with an 8-month history of blue-gray discoloration of her skin. Discoloration first appeared on the median region of the face, and gradually expanded to the body and palms. Physical examination revealed blue-gray discoloration on her face, chest, upper back, and lateral region of her palms. Histopathological examination showed small black granules scattered in the basal lamina of the eccrine sweat glands and hair follicles. Through careful history taking, she was found to have used a mouthwash containing silver nitrate daily for 3 years for the treatment of oral ulcers. These findings led us to diagnose this case as argyria. The generalized discoloration did not change during the 3-year follow-up period.