Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Cyanosis is where your skin or lips turn blue or grey. It can be a sign of a serious problem.

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

If you have cyanosis, you may notice a blue or grey colour on your:

• lips
• tongue
• gums
• skin (black or brown skin may turn grey - this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, lips, gums and inside the eyelids)
• ears
• under your nails

Blue or grey skin that includes your lips and mouth is usually a sign that someone is not getting enough oxygen and is a serious problem.

Blue and grey fingers, toes, hands and feet are usually because of a problem with blood circulation.

When and where to get medical help

You need to get medical help immediately if you or your child have symptoms of cyanosis.

Causes of blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis) can happen when there's not enough oxygen in your blood.

This is usually caused by a serious problem with the:

• lungs, like asthma or pneumonia
• airways, like choking or croup
• heart, like heart failure or congenital heart disease

Blue or grey skin can also happen if you have poor circulation. This usually affects hands and feet and can be caused by:

• Raynaud's, which affects your fingers and toes
• beta blockers, medicines used to treat high blood pressure
• a blood clot that stops the blood supply to a limb
• being in cold air or water
• wearing clothing or jewellery that's too tight

Treatment for blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Cyanosis is a symptom of many different conditions.

Treatment depends on the cause.