The Man Who Turned Blue: The Remarkable Story of Paul Karason
Paul Karason’s story is as extraordinary as it is cautionary. Years ago, the American man, hoping to relieve sinus issues, arthritis, and dermatitis, experimented with a homemade dietary supplement containing colloidal silver. What he didn’t anticipate was that the silver would slowly turn his skin a permanent blue-grey, a transformation that earned him the affectionate nickname “Papa Smurf” from local children.
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Before the change, Paul had fair skin and freckles, but over time his unusual complexion became impossible to ignore. He initially didn’t even notice the shift until an old friend asked him, “What did you do to yourself?”
Paul’s unusual condition captured global attention when he appeared on live television in 2008, sharing his journey and warning viewers about the dangers of unproven supplements. Side-by-side images of his before-and-after transformation stunned audiences, making his story viral and unforgettable.
Though Paul passed away in 2013, his experience continues to serve as a striking reminder that not all “natural remedies” are harmless. Medical advice and careful research are essential before experimenting with any supplement, no matter how benign it may seem.
The Man Who Turned Blue: The Remarkable Story of Paul Karason