ARGYRIA NASALIS: REPORT OF A CASE

Abstract

The generalized discoloration of the skin caused by the internal use of silver derivatives has received considerable attention since 1859, when it was studied and reported by Fromann.1The number of cases of generalized argyria reported as following the local use of silver nitrate or organic silver preparations, such as mild silver protein and strong silver protein, is considerably smaller. Occasionally a localized argyrosis following the prolonged local application of these preparations to a small area of skin or mucous membrane is seen. This condition not infrequently follows the prolonged use of these drugs on the conjunctiva. Besides occurring in the eye, localized argyrosis has been reported in the mouth,2nose3and localized patches of the skin;4it is more likely to occur if the skin or mucous membranes have been denuded beforehand. A review of the literature discloses that involvement of the nasal mucosa, occurring