Blue Skin Or Lips Cyanosis

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.

Call 999 if:

You or your child has blue or grey skin and:

it's on the lips, tongue or face and happens suddenly - on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the lips, gums or inside the eyelids
difficulty breathing or chest pain
are confused or dizzy

These are signs of a serious medical problem.

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

you or your child's fingers, toes, hands and feet are blue or grey - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

This may be a sign of a problem with blood circulation.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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.

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