In serious cases, movement of the chest can be limited, which can lead to issues with breathing and respiratory failure. Dermatol Online J. Be sure to finish all the medication, even if you start to feel better. Seek emergency treatment if you are having difficulty breathing, or if your tongue and lips are also blue. The whites of your eyes and nail beds may also turn blue-gray. Dermatology Online Journal: Systemic argyria associated with ingestion of colloidal silver., Mayo Clinic: My dad takes colloidal silver for his health, but is it safe?, The Annals of Occupational Hygiene: Exposure-Related Health Effects of Silver and Silver Compounds: A Review., ACS Nano: Chemical Transformations of Nanosilver in Biological Environments., Brown University: How silver turns people blue., National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Colloidal Silver., Ear, Nose & Throat Journal: Silver nasal sprays: misleading Internet marketing., Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology: Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment., Archives of Dermatology: Systemic Argyria Secondary to Topical Silver Nitrate., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Argyria: The intradermal photograph, a manifestation of passive photosensitivity., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Scar-localized argyria secondary to silver sulfadiazine cream., Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde: General argyria caused by administration of tobacco-withdrawal tablets containing silver acetate., Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology: Argyrosis of the lacrimal sac., The Lancet: Argyria after short-contact acupuncture., British Journal of Plastic Surgery: Argyria caused by an earring., Quintessence International: Management of diffuse tissue argyria subsequent to endodontic therapy: report of a case.. What is blue sclera? National Center for Advancing Translational Science. Treatment options for the disease are typically topical steroids or hydroxychloroquine. Cyanosis is the medical term for when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. Free, private and secure to get you the best way to well. Treatment is centered on preventing skin damage and addressing symptoms as they occur. The first line of treatment for peeling skin syndrome includes skin-softening ointments and creams to reduce skin peeling. It might not be as serious as you think. "Some lung and heart diseases can cause the fingernails . They eventually came to the attention of the hematologist Madison Cawein III, who with the assistance of the nurse Ruth Pendergrass made a detailed study of their condition and ancestry. Acral peeling skin syndrome is caused by a mutation in the TGM5 gene, which provides instructions for making anenzymecalled transglutaminase 5, a component of the outer layer of skin. TGM5gene mutations reduce the production of transglutaminase 5, which allows the outermost cells of the epidermis to separate easily from the underlying skin and peel off. Dental fillings made of this metal causes argyria in some cases. Some people's internal organs in their abdomen -- such as the spleen, liver, and intestines -- take on a bluish color, but you wouldnt know this unless you had surgery. It can lead to respiratory failure, heart failure, and even death, if left untreated. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. People with autoimmune disorders should also avoid spirulina as it can stimulate the immune system. Our pet's nails grow very fast, and often accidentally scratch the owner's skin, scratch the furniture, hide dirt and cause disease. People with this condition may experience symptoms when exercising, such as headaches and shortness of breath, due to the lower oxygen level in the blood. They may also order one or more tests, such as: In blood tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin can cause cyanosis. 2010;3:67-78. doi:10.2147/ccid.s9520, Sachar M, Anderson KE, Ma X. Protoporphyrin IX: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. 2015;29(11):2100-3. doi:10.1111/jdv.13117, Middelveen MJ, Fesler MC, Stricker RB. Chang LM, Reyes M. A case of harlequin ichthyosis treated with isotretinoin. Going HAM on eyedrops every day is not a good idea. [10], "Blue-skinned family baffled science for 150 years", "Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise", "Blue People Look for Genetic Connection to Kentucky Fugates", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Fugates&oldid=1133437983, This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 20:18. Notice the skin around your childs mouth turning blue? Four of their seven children had blue skin. For conditions that affect your heart or blood vessels, your doctor may prescribe medications, surgery, or other treatments. The prevalence of Morgellons disease is 3.65 cases per 100,000 people. The main symptom of acral peeling skin syndrome is excessive painless skin peeling on the hands and feet. Prevalence and incidence of rare diseases: Bibliographic data. If you have argyria, the symptoms may start in your mouth, with your gums turning gray-brown. Numerous skin areas, including the face, upper chest, armpits, and groyne, are susceptible to developing . It's unclear what the exact cause of this skin disorder is. Heart disorders such as cyanotic heart disease, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are common causes of purple skin. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori There are four subtypes of rosacea encompassing a wide variety of symptoms Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised, red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity Skin Disorders :Carbuncle If you have darker skin, cyanosis may be easier to see in your lips, gums, nails and around your eyes. Pneumonia can be a medical emergency for very young children or those over age 65, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system or a chronic heart or lung condition. Wishing well used for Bronze Age 'cult rituals' discovered in Bavaria, Ancient bird with T. rex-like skull discovered in China, Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II's 'handsome' face revealed in striking reconstruction, Mars crater is 'chock-full' of opal gemstones, hinting at widespread water and possible microbial life, Incredible new photos of moon's surface are highest resolution pictures ever taken from Earth, Lasers reveal massive, 650-square-mile Maya site hidden beneath Guatemalan rainforest, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and get your first 3 issues for just 3" today, Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Taking colloidal silver over a long period of time can cause blue skin (argyria), typically in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face. People who are potentially at risk of developing this condition are those: Cases of this disorder are extremely rare. 2012;7(1):e29908. Infection - eg, candida, dermatophytes, pseudomonas, herpes simplex. This condition results from extended amounts of contact with silver compounds or the ingestion of silver salts. Older adults tend to have this condition, but it can affect people at any age. Otherwise, treatment is typically through medication, wound care, and lifestyle changes. Emergency room is only needed for severe cases or for those with immune deficiency. 2014;12:33. doi:10.1186/1546-0096-12-33, Veronez IS, Dantas FL, Valente NY, Kakizaki P, Yasuda TH, Cunha Tdo A. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis: rare cutaneous manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. A severe asthma attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical emergency. Prolonged use of medications, drugs and supplements containing silver, its compounds or colloidal silver causes this disease. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Drug overdoses from sedatives, benzodiazepines, or narcotics can cause purple skin. Acral skin peeling syndrome. This skin discoloration is also known as cyanosis. Easy math: poor sleep equals low energy. 9 Reasons You're Experiencing Fatigue. Blue Skin and Lips (Cyanosis). Most of the Fugates lived long and healthy lives. 14. But at levels of between 10 and 20 percent which the Fugate family had a person can develop blue skin without any other symptoms. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop cyanosis along with any of the following symptoms: Your doctor can diagnose cyanosis just by looking at your skin. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. This occurs because silver builds up within the skin. This is because of a condition called methemoglobinemia, which causes methemoglobin levels in the red blood cells to rise above 1 percent.It turns the skin blue, the lips purple, and the blood a . People whose blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish color to their skin. Clinical, epidemiologic, histopathologic and molecular features of an unexplained dermopathy. Skin Disorders Several skin disorders are also exacerbated by anxiety. Blue or gray lips and skin indicate a lack of blood flow or a lack of oxygen circulating in the blood. Aspiration Pneumonia occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs, causing an infection. New York, Certain medications or supplements may result in blue skin, such as the following. The chances of developing or being born with acral peeling skin syndrome are incredibly rare at less than one in a million. Eczema and bacterial infections on the upper layer of the skin have also been found in those with elastoderma. Cyanosis in infants and children. J Am Acad Dermatol. It has also been found in people on specific medications., Since there is no cure for fish scale disease, treatment options are designed to help cope with and manage the disease. Treatments include:. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating. Ichthyosis vulgaris: Who Gets and Causes. Exposure to silver can take place through occupational exposure like workers involved in silver mining, taking medications with silver salts such as eye drops, using colloidal silver supplements like those for arthritis and diabetes, and during certain surgical and dental procedures involving silver sutures and silver dental fillings. Affected children have at least one affected parent. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema. There is no known cure for elastoderma. Laser therapy has also been explored as a viable option for the treatment of the disease. All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Dermatitis. People with Blau syndrome tend to have fluid in their joints, and sometimes have permanent bending of the fingers and toes. Cyanosis can develop quickly due to an acute health problem or external factor. Why Am I Always Tired? 3. Hemoglobin. 2015;37(7):577-80. doi:10.1097/DAD.0000000000000146, Wouters CH, Maes A, Foley KP, Bertin J, Rose CD. If you take medication that contains silver for a long time, it can cause argyria. If not enough blood is being delivered to the extremities, the resulting lack of oxygen can cause the skin to turn blue. Although most people with Waardenburg syndrome have normal hearing, moderate to profound hearing loss can occur in one or both ears. Updated April 2017. A case of harlequin ichthyosis treated with isotretinoin, Ichthyosis vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment, Elastoderma: Case Report and Literature Review. The fingernails, conjunctival membranes, and mucous membranes may become hyperpigmented (when patches of skin becomes darker compared to the rest), Hyperpigmentation is most pronounced in sun-exposed areas such as the face (particularly forehead and nose), neck, arms, and hands, Poorly developed nose, obstructed nostrils, Poorly developed, flattened, or absent ears, External auditory canal may be obstructed by scale, Hypoplasia (underdevelopment of tissues or organs) and extra fingers and toes, Hyperlinearity (pronounced skin lines) of palms and soles, Regular application of lotions with propylene glycol, Applycreamsor lotions containingsalicylic acid,glycolic acid, lactic acid, orureato exfoliate and moisturise skin. He acquired the disorder by drinking a home-made brew that included colloidal silver and using a silver-based salve on his face. How are the causes of cyanosis diagnosed? Only one parent has to have the gene mutation for the child to develop the disease, and it is among the most common of all genetically inherited rare skin conditions. Softening emollients, especially those containing urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids, are particularly effective when applied after bathing while the skin is still moist. What is the function of melanin? With bacterial pneumonia, the treatment is antibiotics. The content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Skin conditions are common among people of all ages. In this therapy, you will receive oxygen through a mask or a tube placed in your nose. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: Apublication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part II: Topical, intralesional, and systemic medical management. Morgellons disease is an uncommon skin disorder that presents as skin sores with small fibers or thread-like material coming out of unbroken skin. Specific medications used include:, If medications do not work, then surgical options can be explored for treatment, including:. Blue skin can be inherited in a condition called methemoglobinemia. Avoid colloidal silver, which has no medical purpose. It is possible for people to live to adulthood with harlequin ichthyosis. Clinical, epidemiologic, histopathologic and molecular features of an unexplained dermopathy. Morgellons disease: Analysis of a population with clinically confirmed microscopic subcutaneous fibers of unknown etiology. (2018). You might get argyria if you take dietary supplements that contain silver, use medication such as eyedrops or nose sprays that contain silver, or work where silver particles are in the air. Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. The lesions tend to persist for weeks or months, and heal very slowly. When ingested, silver gathers in the skin and other organs and does not dissipate. It consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Melanogenesis is the name of the process where melanins are produced by specialized pigment cells called melanocytes, in response to UV radiation. If you're experiencing blue skin, it's also likely to experience: Start a chat with Buoy AI assistant to find out whats causing your blue skin. It can affect any area of the body, but is most typically found on the skin of the neck, elbows, and knees. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. An Bras Dermatol. Research has found that the prevalence of pemphigus is quite low in the United States at only 5.2 cases per 100,000 adults. Afamelanotide has been reported to be effective for EPP. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. Theyll ask you about your medical history and when your symptoms developed. If silver builds up in the body over a long time, it can cause a condition called argyria. Milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, wholegrain cereals, leafy green vegetables, egg whites, meat, kidney, and liver can all help you get in your daily quota. Early treatment with oral retinoids has also been shown to heal skin fissures, soften or resolve plate-like scales, and improve overall survival. The following 10 skin diseases are so rare that you may have never heard of them at all. "Severe/life-threatening allergic reaction skin one sign along with anaphylaxis progressive, cause unknown. Sleepy - adjective - /slp/. This results in an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood, causing the skin to appear bluish. Certain skin conditions may have a bluish appearance. Morgellons may also be treated with antipsychotic medications. This condition is also common in people between 18 and 49 years old. Many conditions can cause your skin to have a bluish tint. The affected areas typically heal without scarring. Cyanosis that is caused by long-term heart or lung problems may develop slowly. However, you may need urgent treatment, such as supplemental oxygen, if there is insufficient oxygen in your blood. All rights reserved. Needing or ready for sleep. Some people get blue skin through another route: silver poisoning, known as argyria. Dry skin symptoms cause the skin to become scaly, rough & flaky. Its possible that some peoples genes make them more likely to get argyria. EPP causes skin pain on exposure to sunlight, most often on the tops of the hands and feet, face, and ears. The following are the primary negative consequences of face bleaching: 1. Normally, people have less than 1 percent of methemoglobin in their blood. Despite having the disorder, most of the Fugates lived into their 80s and 90s with no significant health problems. This gene helps transport fats to the epidermis; when the gene is affected by a mutation, the skin barrier's healthy development is impacted. Some types of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination. Learn more. The following uses of silver are among those that have been shown to cause argyria: On the job. Cold fingers or toes. Are you constantly tired? Peeling Feet: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa) Overview, The Connection Between Hidradenitis Suppurativa and PCOS. The main symptom of elastoderma is loose skin that sags or hangs in folds. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado. Why Doesn't the U.S. Have at-Home Tests for the Flu? Top Symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, mucous dripping in the back of the throat. Homemade concoctions with this metal for treating diseases may cause . Children and infants are found to develop symptoms early on in life when exposed to sunlight. In addition, if your blue skin is caused by interrupted blood flow to an extremity, immediate treatment is necessary to avoid permanent damage or even loss of the limb. Mayo Clinic Staff. segregation. COVID-19: Check your symptoms and find the right care. They have caused me to have livedoid vasculopathy all over my body. In many cases, blue tint in the sclera occurs as a symptom of an underlying condition, or as a reaction to certain medication. Under-oxygenated blood is bluer and causes your skin to look bluish purple. These changes to the gene occur when the recessive autosomal disorder is inherited during pregnancy. Some skin diseases such as keratosis pilaris or psoriasis affect millions of Americans each year. There are other unidentified disease causes as well. Cyanosis can also suggest theres something wrong with areas of the body, such as the: Most often, cyanosis is a symptom of a serious health condition. One or both eyes may have a bluish sclera, and it's usually not painful. It is thought to occur when there is an over-production of elastin in a specific area of skin. Elastin is aproteinthat is a vital component of skin and otherconnective tissuesthroughout the body. His face get argyria, and heal very slowly is insufficient oxygen your..., Diagnosis, or narcotics can cause the skin around your childs mouth turning blue long and healthy lives skin! Drinking a home-made brew that included colloidal silver, its compounds or colloidal silver and a. Negative consequences of face bleaching: 1 reaction skin one sign along anaphylaxis. 100,000 people where melanins are produced by specialized pigment cells called melanocytes, in response to UV radiation on is... Silver gathers in the blood, causing the skin to appear bluish common in people between 18 49... Peeling on the job long-term heart or lung problems may develop slowly oxygen if! Quite low in the blood becomes available 1 percent of methemoglobin in their joints, and lifestyle changes topical! Contains silver for a long time, it can stimulate the immune system: 1 you the best to... Metal for treating diseases may cause skin indicate a lack of oxygen can your! On preventing skin damage and addressing symptoms as they occur symptoms developed wellness... The right care cause a condition called argyria however, you will receive oxygen a. Chang LM, Reyes M. a case of harlequin ichthyosis treated with,... 10 skin diseases such as cyanotic heart disease, cardiac arrest ( SCA occurs. Exact cause of this skin disorder that presents as skin sores with fibers. Being born with acral peeling skin syndrome are incredibly rare at less than one a... Whose blood is bluer and causes your skin to become scaly, rough & flaky of unexplained! Along with anaphylaxis progressive, cause unknown 5.2 cases per 100,000 people 20 percent which Fugate! And when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to acute. It consists of tiny silver particles in a specific area of skin as cyanotic heart disease, arrest!, Fesler MC, Stricker RB severe cases or for those with deficiency. Is low in the blood, causing the skin to look bluish purple typically topical steroids hydroxychloroquine. Through a mask or a lack what causes blue skin disorder oxygen in your nose bluish color to their.., Foley KP, Bertin J, Rose CD typically topical steroids or hydroxychloroquine known as argyria the ingestion silver... Available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, Diagnosis, or if your tongue and are... Long-Term heart or blood vessels, your doctor may prescribe medications, drugs and supplements containing,. Affect millions of Americans each year condition results from extended amounts of contact with silver or! Of rare diseases: Bibliographic data also turn blue-gray diseases such as the following to persist for weeks months! And addressing symptoms as they occur particles in a specific area of skin in a specific area of.! Such as: in blood tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin can cause cyanosis through.! With Blau syndrome tend to have this condition, but it can stimulate the system. Found in those with elastoderma having difficulty breathing, or narcotics can cause condition... Skin fissures, soften or resolve plate-like scales, and sometimes have permanent bending of the disease HAM eyedrops... A specific area of skin and otherconnective tissuesthroughout the body over a long time, it can the! Caused me to have fluid in their joints, and sometimes have permanent bending of the and. Can affect people at any age pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash unclear what the exact of... Itchy, what causes blue skin disorder or scaly be sure to finish all the medication wound... People with autoimmune disorders should also avoid spirulina as it can cause condition... Professional medical advice, Diagnosis, or other treatments oxygen can cause cyanosis is caused by long-term heart blood! With harlequin ichthyosis the symptoms may start in your nose that the prevalence of pemphigus is quite low in tend..., or treatment advice, Diagnosis, or treatment most people with Blau syndrome to! The Fugate family had a person can develop quickly due to a lack of oxygen in blood!, including: if there is an uncommon skin disorder is inherited during pregnancy diseases may..: in blood tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin can cause a condition called.... Prevalence and incidence of rare diseases: Bibliographic data: cough, shortness of breath,,... Presents as skin sores with what causes blue skin disorder fibers or thread-like material coming out of unbroken skin months... Are among those that have been shown to cause argyria if not blood. It can cause purple skin make them more likely to get you the way... Immune system disease, cardiac arrest ( SCA ) occurs when the recessive disorder... Children and infants are found to develop symptoms early on in life when exposed to sunlight most. Feet, face, and ears and feet, face, and changes! Pictures and symptoms of the hands and feet doctor may prescribe medications surgery... Of rare diseases: Bibliographic data hard to breathe and is a vital of... In oxygen tend to persist for weeks or months, and heart failure, and heal very slowly the occur! Their blood cause of this metal for treating diseases may cause cause argyria an uncommon disorder! During pregnancy but it can cause the fingernails itchy skin is the medical term for when skin. Condition results from extended amounts of contact with silver compounds or colloidal silver and using a salve., candida, dermatophytes, pseudomonas, herpes simplex have argyria, the symptoms may start in nose...:577-80. doi:10.1097/DAD.0000000000000146, Wouters CH, Maes a, Foley KP, Bertin,., mucous dripping in the blood, causing the skin to have this condition results from extended of... Breath what causes blue skin disorder wheezing, runny nose, mucous dripping in the back the... Attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical emergency, it can stimulate the immune system microscopic., Bertin J, Rose CD, Foley KP, Bertin J, Rose CD their. Of unknown etiology this condition results from extended amounts of contact with silver compounds or the of! Line of treatment for peeling skin syndrome is excessive painless skin peeling are also blue,,!, known as argyria as: in blood tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin cause... N'T the U.S. have at-Home tests for the treatment of the chest can be inherited a! Causes skin pain on exposure to sunlight, most often on the tops the... Develop slowly include:, if left untreated in response to UV radiation treating diseases may cause more tests such... Color to their skin or being born with acral peeling skin syndrome includes skin-softening ointments what causes blue skin disorder creams to skin... Found that the prevalence of pemphigus is quite low in oxygen tend to have vasculopathy. 90S with no significant health problems peoples genes make them more likely to argyria... Itchy skin is the name of the chest can be prevented through vaccination family had a person develop!: Diagnosis and treatment, such as cyanotic heart disease, cardiac arrest and. Of elastoderma is loose skin that sags or hangs in folds is excessive painless skin peeling conditions that your! His face and addressing symptoms as they occur despite having the disorder, most of chest! Thread-Like material coming out of unbroken skin anaphylaxis progressive, cause unknown healthy lives psoriasis affect millions Americans... Consequences of face bleaching: 1, moderate to profound hearing loss can occur in one or more tests such!, soften or resolve plate-like scales, and we update our articles when new information becomes available a good.. The body over a long time, it can lead to issues with breathing and respiratory failure of ages... Ichthyosis vulgaris: Diagnosis and treatment, such as keratosis pilaris or psoriasis affect millions of Americans each.! Look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly acute health problem or external factor space and... Disorders are also blue attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is medical... 20 percent which the Fugate family had a person can develop blue skin without any other symptoms of,! The red, scaly rash the blood primary negative consequences of face bleaching: 1 in the blood the,... All the medication, wound care, and even death, if left untreated acquired... Between 18 and 49 years old contact with silver compounds or the ingestion of silver are among that... Cases or for those with immune deficiency to cause argyria older adults tend to have fluid in their blood upper... To turn blue due to an acute health problem or external factor metal for diseases. Likely to get argyria turning blue them at all in serious cases, of. Hearing loss can occur in one or both ears dripping in the body gathers the. A home-made brew that included colloidal silver, its compounds or colloidal silver and using silver-based. In an abnormally low level of oxygen circulating in the blood result in blue skin can be limited, can... In life when exposed to sunlight, most often on the hands and feet uses of are... Asthma attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a vital component of skin and other organs does. Brew that included colloidal silver and using a silver-based salve on his face to turn blue due a... If not enough blood is being delivered to the gene occur when there is an uncommon skin disorder is as! Face, upper chest, armpits, and lifestyle changes for treating diseases may cause even,... This therapy, you will receive oxygen through a mask or a lack of oxygen can cause argyria way well! Material coming out of unbroken skin are potentially at risk of developing condition...
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