A bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is
cyanosis. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Most of the time, nearly all red blood cells in the arteries carry a full supply of oxygen. These blood cells are bright red and the skin is pinkish or red. Blood that has lost its oxygen is dark bluish-red. People whose blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish color to their skin. This condition is called cyanosis. Depending on the cause, cyanosis may develop suddenly, along with shortness
of breath and other symptoms. Cyanosis that is caused by long-term heart or lung problems may develop slowly. Symptoms may be present, but are often not severe. When the oxygen level has dropped only a small amount, cyanosis may be hard to detect. In dark-skinned people, cyanosis may be easier to see in the mucous membranes [lips, gums, around the eyes] and nails. People with cyanosis do not normally have
anemia [low blood count]. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Cyanosis that is seen in only one part of the body may be due to: LACK OF OXYGEN IN THE BLOOD Most cyanosis occurs because of a lack of oxygen in the blood. This can be caused by the following problems. Problems with the lungs: Problems with the airways leading to the lungs: Problems with the heart: Other problems: For cyanosis caused by exposure to cold or Raynaud phenomenon, dress warmly when going outside or stay in a well-heated room. Bluish skin can be a sign of many serious medical problems. Call or visit your health care provider. For
adults, contact your doctor or call the local emergency number, such as 911 if you have bluish skin and any of the following: For children, contact the doctor or call the local emergency number, such as 911 if your child has bluish skin and any of the following: In general, cyanosis that occurs acutely is more likely to be an emergency than when it is present for a long time. Your provider will perform a physical examination. This will include listening to your breathing and heart sounds. In emergency situations [such as
shock], you will be stabilized first. The provider will ask about your symptoms. Questions may include: Tests that may be ordered include: The treatment you receive depends on the cause of cyanosis. For example, you may receive oxygen for shortness of breath. Fernández-Frackelton M. Cyanosis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed.
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 11. McGee S. Cyanosis. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9. Text only Considerations
Causes
Home Care
When to Contact a Medical Professional
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
References
Cyanosis of the nail bed - illustration
Lack of oxygen in the blood causes a bluish discoloration in the skin or mucous membranes called cyanosis. Most cyanosis is seen as a result of congenital heart disease, pulmonary disease, or as a terminal event as in cardiopulmonary arrest.
Cyanosis of the nail bed
illustration
Cyanosis of the nail bed - illustration
Lack of oxygen in the blood causes a bluish discoloration in the skin or mucous membranes called cyanosis. Most cyanosis is seen as a result of congenital heart disease, pulmonary disease, or as a terminal event as in cardiopulmonary arrest.
Cyanosis of the nail bed
illustration
A Closer Look
- Melanoma and other skin cancers
[In-Depth]
Self Care
- Bruised rib care
Tests for Blue discoloration of the skin
- Lymphangiogram
- Fluorescein eye stain
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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