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 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 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.[2] In 2008, Karason first gained prominence after appearing on Today.[3] He claimed it cured his acid reflux and arthritis, but acknowledged it was also the cause of his argyria.[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]
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
References
- ^ "Blue Man Falls on Hard Times". Inside Edition. 14 May 2012.
- ^ "The true blue story of Paul Karason". NBC News. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.