Paul Karason | |
---|---|
Born |
Bellingham, Washington, U.S. | November 14, 1950
Died | September 23, 2013
Washington, U.S. | (aged 62)
Known for | His blue skin resulting from argyria |
Paul Karason (November 14, 1950 – September 23, 2013) was an American from Bellingham, Washington, whose skin was a purple-blue color. [1]
Karason was fair skinned and freckled until the early 1990s. His skin turned blue after he began taking a homemade silver chloride colloid and rubbing a solution of colloidal silver on his face in an attempt to treat problems with his sinuses, dermatitis, acid reflux, and other issues. This caused him to develop argyria. [2] In 2008, Karason first gained prominence after appearing on Today. [3] He claimed it cured his acid reflux and arthritis. [4]
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. [5] By 2012, Karason lost his home while battling a heart condition and prostate cancer. He later moved to a homeless shelter in Bellingham, Washington. [6]
In 2013, Karason died after a heart attack led to pneumonia and a severe stroke. [7] 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. [8] [9] Karason continued to use colloidal silver until his death. [10]