| Paul Karason | |
| Birth Date: | 14 November 1950 |
| Birth Place: | Bellingham, Washington, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Washington, U.S. |
| 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]