Abstract |
X-ray microprobe and electron microscopic study was made of the remarkable blue-black pigmentation that sunlight elicits in patients with argyria. The patient under study had developed argyria following injection of silver nitrate as a sclerosant into his varicose veins 41 years ago. Similarities are demonstrated between the darkening of the skin and the darkening of a photographic film following light exposure. In both instances, colorless silver salts and compounds present in an inert matrix ( collagen versus gelatin) are reduced by incident light to black metallic silver. This passive photosensitivity reaction leads to silver tattooing of the light-exposed skin and to photographic imaging in the film.
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Authors | W B Shelley, E D Shelley, V Burmeister |
Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
(J Am Acad Dermatol)
Vol. 16
Issue 1 Pt 2
Pg. 211-7
(Jan 1987)
ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States |
PMID | 3819055
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Sclerosing Solutions
- Silver Nitrate
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Argyria
(etiology, pathology)
- Biopsy
- Electron Probe Microanalysis
- Humans
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Photosensitivity Disorders
(complications, pathology)
- Sclerosing Solutions
(adverse effects)
- Silver Nitrate
(adverse effects)
- Sunlight
(adverse effects)
- Varicose Veins
(therapy)
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