A frequent myth is that blood's red hue is caused by hemoglobin iron. This misconception is most likely based on the fact that iron oxides (rust) have a reddish tint. The crimson hue of hemoglobin is caused by the porphyrin ring to which the iron is linked, not by the iron itself. Blood also appears red because of the pigment melanin. Melanin is a brown pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes. It gives color to your skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is also responsible for causing darkening of the skin due to sun exposure or tanning. Blood can be red for several reasons including: hemorrhaging, infection, or trauma. If you are experiencing red-colored blood without any other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. In addition to being concerned about visible signs of illness, it is important for parents to know how to check their children's blood pressure too. While some children may experience elevated blood pressures during an exam, this is usually only true if they are nervous or anxious. For most children, their blood pressures are very stable, so exams are typically done periodically to monitor changes over time. Children's blood tests should also be done regularly by their doctors. Tests used to detect health problems such as cancer or infections will have colors associated with each result. The lab technician reading the test results should know what each color means.