Other names: cyanosis, canóua limbs, extremities blue, blue skin, bluish skin

Modrofialovému bluish color to the skin and mucous membranes is technically called cyanosis. It is caused by predominance of reduced hemoglobin in blood (ie the one that does not bind oxygen). In people with anemia (anemia) with cyanosis may not occur because they are generally small and few in hemoglobin of red blood cells. Conversely, in people who have more red blood cells (called. Polycythemia), cyanosis arises easily.

Cyanosis is a sign that the body suffers from lack of oxygen due to various reasons. It can be a chronic disease of the lungs, where the blood is oxygenated otherwise, congenital heart diseases, circulatory failure, various poisoning – nitrates, nitrites (be careful we must be especially in infancy when water use, buy only soft water!), And sulfur compounds. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also reduced binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, but skin color is more red.

Sometimes only stagnant blood in the skin or mucosal capillaries, and in that area leaving the oxygen from the blood into cells. The blood in the capillaries then again shines blue. This is more of an end body parts – ears, fingers, nose, lips – than the overall coloration as is the case of lung diseases and congenital defects of the heart. Similarly turns at the end portion of hypothermia, which can undo this phenomenon warming the skin.

Medical care focuses on the cause that provoked the blue coloration. But it is always necessary in severe cases, oxygen therapy – oxygen therapy.