Bluish lips and skin
Bluish lips and skin mean that the skin or lips turn bluish or blue. This is caused by tissues not receiving enough oxygen. The bluish color is often first seen on the lips, fingers, or toes, but it can occur elsewhere in the body as well. In Finland, the most common causes of bluish lips and skin are breathing or circulation problems, such as lung diseases, an asthma attack, heart disease, or severe cold exposure. Sometimes the cause can also be an acute condition, such as choking, which prevents oxygen from getting in. Bluish discoloration is a symptom that should always be taken seriously, especially if it is accompanied by breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or a rapid decline in general condition. If bluish discoloration appears suddenly or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it is important to seek medical assessment quickly. In milder cases, such as bluish discoloration caused by cold, symptoms may improve with warming up, but if the cause remains unclear, it is good to contact a healthcare professional.
Practitioners – Bluish lips and skin
Aapo Nummi
Physiotherapy
Aaron Matilainen
Physiotherapy, Sports physiotherapy
Adrienn Pardo
Internal medicine
Aila Vuorenmies
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Aino Haarala
Physiotherapy
Aino Lepistö
Physiotherapy
Aino Pirttilä
Internal medicine
Aira Korhonen
Physiotherapy
Airi Hänninen
Occupational health, Physiotherapy
Aki Hiltunen
Physiotherapy
Frequently asked questions
What usually causes bluish lips?
The most common cause is a lack of oxygen in the blood, which may result from breathing or heart problems. If you notice bluish discoloration, contact a healthcare professional.
Is bluish discoloration of the lips or skin always dangerous?
Bluish discoloration can be a sign of a serious condition, but sometimes the cause is harmless, such as cold exposure. If the symptom does not go away quickly or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical care.
Can a child have bluish lips?
Yes, but bluish discoloration in a child is always a reason to seek immediate medical assessment, as there may be a serious underlying condition.
What should I do if I notice sudden bluish discoloration and breathing difficulty?
Call emergency number 112 immediately, as it may be a life-threatening situation. Sudden bluish discoloration and breathing difficulty require immediate care.