Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Exfoliation of Egyptian Blue and Han Blue, Two Alkali Earth Copper Silicate-based Pigments
Published on: April 24, 2014
Localized Cutaneous Argyria Mimicking Blue Nevus after Wearing Earrings
Seung Gi Hong1, Sun Young Jo1, Eun Phil Heo1
1Department of Dermatology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
Abstract:
Localized cutaneous argyria is a rare condition in which the skin changes into blue-grey spots due to the absorption of silver. The lesions need to be differentiated from other pigmentary disorders and require radiographic and histological examination for more accurate diagnosis. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy can be a confirmatory tool in the evaluation of silver elements in biopsy tissue. This report shows the localized cutaneous argyria in earlobe of a 21-year-old woman who wears silver earrings for 10 years.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection

