Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis) happens when there's not enough oxygen in your blood, or you have poor blood circulation. It can be caused by a serious problem with the: lungs, like asthma or pneumonia. airways like choking or croup.
Blue skin and lips is usually caused by low blood oxygen levels or poor circulation. It can be a sign of a serious problem. Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you notice an adult or child suddenly turning blue.
This is known as cyanosis. Cyanosis occurs when the oxygen saturation levels in a person's blood fall below 85% . A person may also develop cyanosis if they have abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein present in the blood.
Seek medical advice if you have symptoms like these. You could be severely dehydrated if, in addition to any of these symptoms, you become confused or disorientated, are difficult to rouse, your lips turn blue or your breathing or pulse becomes rapid.
Blue colored lips can indicate low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. Excessive sweating can be related to panic or anxiety attacks as well as environmental factors. Describe all your symptoms to your health care provider anytime you are concerned about your symptoms.
Cyanosis Signs and Symptoms
The main sign of cyanosis is a dusky blue or bluish coloring on your lips that looks unnatural. The word cyanosis comes from the word “cyan,” which is a greenish-blue color. Cyanotic changes like blue lips can come on suddenly or gradually.
Cyanosis refers to a bluish-purple hue to the skin. It is most easily seen where the skin is thin, such as the lips, mouth, earlobes and fingernails. Cyanosis indicates there may be decreased oxygen attached to red blood cells in the bloodstream. It may suggest a problem with the lungs or heart.
Venous lake. A venous lake, which is a purple or dark blue spot commonly found on lips and ears, is caused by dilated blood vessels. Though they may resemble melanoma, venous lakes do not evolve into cancer and are generally not life threatening.
Normal, healthy lip color varies, depending on skin color and other factors, but should fall in the reddish-pink-to-brown range.
Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar in addition to high, warn experts. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is usually associated with diabetes, but low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may also be a symptom. Babies with low blood sugar may tremble, be cranky, or have pale or blue lips and/or fingers.
Cyanosis is the medical term for discoloration to the lips, skin, tongue, or other mucous membranes. It occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygenated blood. Although people's lips can change color when exposed to cold temperatures, cyanosis often requires medical intervention.
Some heart defects cause major problems right after birth. The main symptom of cyanosis is a bluish color of the lips, fingers, and toes that is caused by the low oxygen content in the blood.
New confusion. Inability to wake or stay awake. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Scleroderma. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue.
Lips can turn dark due to several reasons, including sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, genetics, certain medical conditions, and medications. To prevent darkening of the lips, avoid excessive sun exposure and smoking, stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, and use a good quality lip balm or moisturizer.
Tobacco smoking, stress, medication, and medical issues can all cause lips to become darker. Treating the underlying issue should resolve the problem.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: this syndrome is characterised by an unpleasant burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums or palate. It can be caused by psychological factors brought on by stress.
Especially common among children and young adults, a nervous habit many people have when they are stressed or anxious is biting on their lower or upper lips. You may also find some people squeezing a lip with the thumb and forefinger or picking on the skin with their fingers.