Bismuthia

Bismuthia is a rare dermatological condition that results from the prolonged use of bismuth.

Much more rarely than with silver, bismuth may produce a generalized persistent skin discoloration resembling argyria. This is known as bismuthia. The conjunctivae and oral mucosa, as well as skin, are commonly afflicted by the condition. Pigment granules are evenly scattered through the dermis, producing a blue, or bluish gray skin color by the scattering phenomenon. It is extremenly rare, and as a consequence is poorly understood by modern medicine. Special stains and spectroscopic methods must be utilized for identification of skin pigments affected by bismuth.