| name: | Blue Lips |
| also known as: | Lip Discoloration; Discolored Lips; Turning Blue |
| also see: | Hypothermia; Frostbite; Cyanosis |
| description: | Blue lips can occur from exposure to cold weather. When a person gets cold, the brain automatically diverts blood away from the skin and mucous membranes and towards vital organs, such as brain, heart, lungs, kidneys. Other causes of blue lips can include exposure to toxic fumes and even cigarette smoking. Medical conditions of lip discoloration can include anemia, iron deficiency anemia, croup, epiglottitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and other causes of cyanosis. |
| signs & symptoms: | Includes blue lips and possible blue fingernails, and other symptoms depending upon the underlying cause. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam, and diagnostic tests, if needed. |
| treatment: | Any underlying medical condition needs to be treated. Blue lips due to cold exposure is treated as discussed under hypothermia and freezing first aid. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol when suffering from cold exposure. |
| prevention: | See hypothermia and frostbite. |
| outcome: | Varies depending upon the cause. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person is cold and has symptoms of hypothermia and an inability to maintain body temperature, such as shivering, muscle incoordination, slow pulse, weakness, drowsiness, mental confusion, muscle rigidity, purple fingers and toes, waxing and waning levels of consciousness, or, has had a cardiac arrest with no pulse, no heart beat, no breathing, begin CPR, and |
| go to: | Go to the hospital for emergency care or dial 911. |
Last updated 7/5/2009