MEDICAL TERM OF THE WEEK:

ARGYRIA Smurfs are lovable little creatures but having your skin turn blue is not something you would want to experience in real life. Argyria results from prolonged contact with or ingestion of silver salts and is characterised by blue to grey staining of the skin and mucous membranes produced by silver deposition. You’re more likely to develop argyria if you take dietary supplements or medications containing silver, regularly use eyedrops or cosmetics containing silver or have an occupation that involves prolonged exposure to silver. Thankfully, argyria is rare and it is not life-threatening. However, there is no known cure for the condition.