Paul Karason
Paul Karason | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | November 14, 1950 Bellingham, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | September 23, 2013 (aged 62) Washington, U.S. |
| Known for | His blue skin resulting from argyria |
Paul Karason (November 14, 1950 – September 23, 2013) was an American from Ohio whose skin turned a purple-blue color over a period of about a decade.[1]
In 2008, Karason first gained prominence after appearing on Today.[2] His skin was described as turning blue after he took 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. He claimed it cured his acid reflux and arthritis.[3]
Karason was fair-skinned and freckled until about 1993, when his complexion began to develop the bluish hue associated with argyria. The condition was permanent.[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.[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]
See also
References
- ^ "Blue Man Falls on Hard Times". Inside Edition. 14 May 2012.
- ^ Netburn, Deborah (25 September 2013). "Man with blue skin dies at 62: Unlikely his condition was responsible". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Angier, Joseph (19 August 2008). "Feeling Blue Over Skin Color". ABC News. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ "The true blue story of Paul Karason". NBC News. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ "Blue man seeks acceptance". ABC7 San Francisco. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Martin, Sami K. (25 September 2013). "Paul Karason, Real-life 'Blue Man,' Dies at 62 (PHOTO)". The Christian Post. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Moran, Lee (25 September 2013). "Man who turned blue after taking silver for skin condition dies". New York Daily News. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ "Internet Sensation 'Papa Smurf' Dies, Other Blue People Live On". ABC News. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
- ^ "Real-life 'Blue Man' dies after heart attack, stroke". Today. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
- ^ Pickett, Mallory (5 October 2017). "Colloidal Silver Turns You Blue—But Does It Work?". Wired. Retrieved 18 October 2021.