Skin discoloration, bluish

Considerations:
Skin coloration is determined by the amount of pigment in the skin and the red blood flowing beneath it. Blood that is saturated with oxygen is bright red. Blood that has lost its oxygen is dark bluish-red. People who have a high percentage of their blood which is deficient in oxygen tend to take on a bluish discoloration called cyanosis.

Lack of oxygen (such as in suffocation or cyanotic heart disease ), abnormal hemoglobin (such as methemoglobinemia ) and toxins (such as cyanide) can all produce cyanosis. Most cyanosis is seen as a result of congenital heart disease , pulmonary disease , or as a terminal event as in cardiopulmonary arrest.

Mild cyanosis is difficult to detect. Usually the oxygen saturation of the blood has to drop below 80% before it can be detected.

Cyanosis is more obvious in the mucous membranes and nail beds, particularly for dark-skinned people. It can also appear on the feet, nose, and ears.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of cyanosis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for cyanosis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
For cyanosis caused by exposure to cold, dress warmly when going outside or stay in a well-heated room.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there is any unexplained, severe, or prolonged cyanosis.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. In emergency situations (such as shock ), the patient will be stabilized first.

Medical history questions documenting cyanosis in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • When did it develop?
    • Did it develop suddenly?
    • Has it been developing slowly?

  • quality
    • Are the lips blue?
    • Are the nailbeds blue?
    • Is the body blue all over?

  • aggravating factors
    • Have you had an exposure to cold?
    • Have you suddenly gone to a high altitude?
    • Have you inhaled anything?

  • other

The physical examination will include listening to the breath sounds ( auscultation ) and detailed examination of the chest and breathing patterns.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

For shortness of breath and cyanosis, supplemental oxygen may be administered.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to bluish skin discoloration to your personal medical record.