Blue or grey 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.

A&E safety messaging (for 999 only)

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.

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Symptoms

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Causes

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Medical treatments

With cyanosis, your lips, tongue, gums, ears, skin under your nails or skin around your eyes turn blue or grey.

Cyanosis can happen if there is not enough oxygen in your blood or you have poor blood circulation. Causes include asthma, heart failure and choking.

Treatment for cyanosis depends on what's causing it.