Paul Karason

Paul Karason
Born	(1950-11-14)November 14, 1950 Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
Died	September 23, 2013(2013-09-23) (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

1. "Blue Man Falls on Hard Times". Inside Edition. 14 May 2012.
2. "The true blue story of Paul Karason". NBC News. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
3. Netburn, Deborah (25 September 2013). "Man with blue skin dies at 62: Unlikely his condition was responsible". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
4. Angier, Joseph (19 August 2008). "Feeling Blue Over Skin Color". ABC News. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
5. "Blue man seeks acceptance". ABC7 San Francisco. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
6. Martin, Sami K. (25 September 2013). "Paul Karason, Real-life 'Blue Man,' Dies at 62 (PHOTO)". The Christian Post. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
7. Moran, Lee (25 September 2013). "Man who turned blue after taking silver for skin condition dies". New York Daily News. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
8. "Internet Sensation 'Papa Smurf' Dies, Other Blue People Live On". ABC News. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
9. "Real-life 'Blue Man' dies after heart attack, stroke". Today. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
10. Pickett, Mallory (5 October 2017). "Colloidal Silver Turns You Blue—But Does It Work?". Wired. Retrieved 18 October 2021.