Skin coloration is determined by the amount of pigment in the skin and the red blood flowing beneath it. Blood that is saturated with oxygen is bright red. Blood that has lost its oxygen is dark bluish-red. People who have a high percentage of their blood which is deficient in oxygen tend to take on a bluish discoloration called cyanosis. Most cyanosis is seen as a result of congenital heart disease , pulmonary disease , or as a terminal event as in cardiopulmonary arrest.
Mild cyanosis is difficult to detect.
Cyanosis is more obvious in the mucous membranes and nail beds, particularly for dark-skinned people. It can also appear on the feet, nose, and ears. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.