of the skin may be a sign of lack of oxygen in the blood.
It could also indicate an abnormal form of hemoglobin like in
sickle cell anemia.
may represent a type of cyanosis caused by lower levels of oxygen in the red blood
cells. It may also represent high levels of an abnormal form of hemoglobin in
the bloodstream. If normal color returns upon warming or massage, the
cause is due to the body part not getting enough blood supply. This can be due
to cold, constriction, or some other reason. If the lips remain blue, then
there may be an underlying disease or structural abnormality. Either of these
can interfere with the body’s ability to deliver oxygenated red blood to the
oximeter is the simplest way to measure the oxygenation of the blood. Arterial
blood gases (ABG’s) are drawn to measure oxygenation and
determine other factors that may be contributing to blue lips. Treatment
involves identifying and correcting the underlying cause and restoring the
oxygenated blood flow to the lips.
are accompanied by: