[General argyria caused by administration of tobacco-withdrawal tablets containing silver acetate]

In a 49-year-old man generalised argyria was diagnosed, a systemic dissemination and tissue deposition of silver in the body. The clinical picture was brought about by use of a silver acetate-containing lozenge as a deterrent to smoking. Argyria is characterised by a slate blue-gray discolouration of the skin, particularly in areas exposed to light. Generally, it causes patients a great deal of anguish and embarrassment. Present understanding is that it does not entail non-cutaneous, systemic effects. There is no effective treatment--the discolouration is permanent. Currently, prevention is the only possible measure. Efforts should be made to eliminate the uncontrolled use of silver-containing preparations.