Cyanosis

Cyanosis is where your skin or lips turn blue. It can be an indication of a severe issue.

How to inform if you have blue skin or lips (cyanosis)

You might observe a blue colour on your:

• lips
• tongue
• gums
• skin
• ears
• under your nails

If you have dark skin, cyanosis might be simpler to see:

• on your lips, tongue and gums
• under your nails
• around your eyes

Your hands and feet are generally a typical temperature level unless you likewise have bad blood flow.

Immediate action needed: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your or your kid’s lips, tongue, face or skin unexpectedly turn blue

You or your kid might likewise have:

• problem breathing
• chest discomfort

These are indications of a severe medical issue.

Urgent guidance: Call your local doctor 111 if:

• your or your kid’s fingers, toes, hands and feet are blue

This might signify bad blood flow.

Causes of Blue Skin or Lips (Cyanosis)

Cyanosis can suggest there’s insufficient oxygen in your blood, or you have bad blood flow. It can be triggered by a severe issue with the:

• lungs, like asthma or pneumonia
• respiratory tracts like choking or croup
• heart, like cardiac arrest or genetic heart illness

Other reason for cyanosis consist of:

• Raynaud’s, which impacts your fingers and toes
• beta blockers, a medication utilized to deal with hypertension
• a embolism that stops the blood supply to or from a limb
• remaining in cold air or water
• using clothes or jewellery that’s too tight

Treatment for Blue Skin or Lips (Cyanosis)

• Cyanosis is a sign of several conditions.
• Treatment depends upon the cause.