Born Fair-Skinned, a Man Turned Blue Forever, and Here’s the Reason

Paul Karason, widely known as Papa Smurf, gained worldwide recognition in the 2000s as the world’s most famous blue man. Born as a fair-skinned, freckled boy with ginger hair, Karason’s unexpected transformation occurred due to a rare medical condition. Over time, his skin began turning blue, a result of ingesting a homemade silver solution made from colloidal silver. His story highlights the dangers of self-medication and the potential risks associated with unregulated supplements.

Paul Karason suffered from various health issues, including a skin condition that caused flakiness, acid reflux, and arthritis. To address these ailments, Karason began researching natural remedies and stumbled upon colloidal silver, a solution of silver in water with antibiotic properties. Colloidal silver was once commonly used as an antibiotic before the invention of penicillin in the 1930s. However, in 1999, it was banned in over-the-counter medications due to scientific evidence indicating that it could cause severe damage to internal organs.

Despite the risks, Karason decided to take colloidal silver on his own, and over time, his skin turned blue, a rare side effect of prolonged silver consumption. His condition earned him the nickname “Papa Smurf” and made him a well-known figure in the media.

Remarkably, Karason reported that his arthritis had disappeared, saying, “I had arthritis in my shoulders so bad I couldn’t pull a T-shirt off. And the next thing I knew, it was just gone.” However, the prolonged use of colloidal silver caused silver to accumulate in his skin, resulting in a rare and permanent condition called argyria.

It was only when an old friend asked him, “What have you done to yourself?” that Karason began to realize the extent of his condition.

Karason claimed that his blue skin had some advantages. For instance, he never got sunburned or had to wear sunglasses. However, he also experienced some drawbacks, such as people being impolite to him. He even admitted that he had difficulty finding a job because employers were hesitant to hire someone who looked “noticeably different” or had blue skin.

Karason passed away in 2013 at the age of 62 due to heart complications. While it’s understandable to seek quick and easy solutions to health problems, it’s crucial to be aware that such remedies can sometimes be dangerous. It’s always better to consult with a doctor and follow their advice for safe and effective treatment.

Karason’s experience with colloidal silver serves as a reminder of the importance of being careful when trying alternative treatments. Ultimately, his legacy underscores the need to prioritize our health and well-being by seeking professional medical advice and being mindful of the potential risks associated with any remedy.

There are so many unbelievable stories out there that actually happened that we thought you’d like to read about some of them:

• Aenne Burda’s Story, the Humble Housewife Who Turned Her Husband’s Failing Business Into an Emporium
• The Story of the 71-Year-Old Model Who’s Breaking Age and Beauty Taboos
• Michael Oher’s Story That Inspired “The Blind Side” and Taught Us the Sky Is the Limit