The main symptom of cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of your skin. The bluish tone may also affect your lips, tongue, gums, ears and nails.
If you have darker skin, cyanosis may look more gray or white. It may also show up more around your lips, tongue, gums, nails and eyes.
Cyanosis is typically caused by another condition. Depending on what’s causing the cyanosis, other symptoms you may experience include:
Depending on what type of cyanosis you have, your skin, lips, tongue, gums, eyes or nails may look different shades of blue or purple. If you have darker skin, cyanosis may look white or gray.
Cyanosis is usually caused by a lack of oxygen in your blood. This may be because your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen in it, or because blood vessels are exposed to cold temperatures. Circulating blood keeps your organs and body parts warm. But if it’s very cold out, the blood vessels in your hands, feet and ears clamp down to keep your body temperature normal.
Many conditions can cause your blood to lack the oxygen it needs.
Cyanosis is a symptom, and your healthcare provider will want to determine the cause of it. They’ll begin by performing a physical examination. They’ll ask you about your symptoms. Questions they may ask include:
Advertisement
Your healthcare provider may order tests to determine the cause of the cyanosis. These tests can include various blood, lung and heart tests:
Cyanosis can be a symptom of many different conditions. The cause of your cyanosis will determine the treatment.
One of the first treatments your healthcare provider may use is oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy provides you with extra oxygen to help boost your levels quickly. You may need a breathing machine or ventilator depending on the severity of your condition.
Advertisement
Other possible treatments include:
If cold temperatures or a condition such as Raynaud’s phenomenon caused your cyanosis, you may have to make lifestyle changes. You should dress in warm clothes when you plan to be outside. When you’re inside, make sure you’re in a heated room. It’s important that you keep your body warm.
You should quit smoking and cut back on your caffeine intake. Caffeine and nicotine can cause your blood vessels to narrow, which can lead to cyanosis.
The outlook for cyanosis depends on the reason for the condition and how quickly you receive treatment. It’s generally not life-threatening, but see your provider if you have any other associated symptoms or if the cyanosis happens when you’re warm and at rest.
Advertisement
There are many different reasons for cyanosis and they can’t all be prevented. But there are some things you can do to prevent the condition.
Your healthcare provider may recommend you stop taking any medications that restrict your blood flow. You should also quit smoking and limit your caffeine intake. Make sure you dress warmly if you go into cold temperatures, especially taking care of your ears, fingers, toes and nose.
Many conditions and disorders can cause cyanosis. Some are more serious than others. If you have any of the following symptoms along with bluish skin, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911:
If your baby or child has cyanosis along with any of the following symptoms, take them to the nearest emergency room or call 911:
Cyanosis is when you have bluish skin, nails or lips due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. Cyanosis occurs for many reasons. While not always serious, cyanosis can be caused by a severe medical condition. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you or your child have cyanosis along with symptoms such as difficulty breathing to ensure that you have the best outcome.
Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you.
Last reviewed on 10/17/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.