Paul Karason

Paul Halldor Karason^[1] (November 14, 1950 – September 23, 2013) was an American man from Bellingham, Washington, whose skin was a purple-blue color.^[2]

Paul Halldor Karason
Born	(1950-11-14)November 14, 1950 Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
Died	September 23, 2013(2013-09-23) (aged 62) Washington, U.S.
Known for	His blue skin resulting from argyria

Karason was fair skinned and freckled until the early 1990s. His skin turned blue after he began taking a homemade colloidal silver treatment and rubbing a silver preparation on his skin in an attempt to treat problems with his sinuses, dermatitis, acid reflux, and other issues. This caused him to develop argyria.^[3] In 2008, Karason first gained prominence after appearing on Today.^[4] He claimed it cured his acid reflux and arthritis, but acknowledged it was also the cause of his argyria.^[5]

Karason moved from Oregon to the California Central Valley community Madera in the summer of 2007 seeking greater community acceptance. He described himself as somewhat of a recluse.^[6] By 2012, Karason lost his home while battling a heart condition and prostate cancer. He later moved to a homeless shelter in Bellingham, Washington.^[7]

In 2013, Karason died after a heart attack led to pneumonia and a severe stroke.^[8] He was a heavy smoker and underwent a triple bypass surgery in 2008. He was estranged from his wife at the time of his death.^[9][10] Karason continued to use colloidal silver until his death.^[11]

See also

• Stan Jones, Libertarian politician known for his similarly artificially induced argyria
• Blue Fugates, a family from Kentucky with blue skin caused by a genetic mutation