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Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Overview

Open all pages about Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

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.

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis) can be a sign of something serious. If you or your child have it, get medical help immediately.

Page last reviewed: 04/10/2023
Next review due: 04/10/2026