what causes blue skin disorder
Can you get psoriasis if you have skin of color? Children can experience many of the same skin conditions as adults. Hair loss may also occur in the area with the rash. Your answers will help us provide you with medical information and identify services that may be relevant to your health.Buoy Health uses reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards (such as firewalls, encryption, identity management, and intrusion prevention and detection) to protect your information. Porphyrias: An overview. Acquired cases are more likely to occur and are usually the result of exposure to certain medications or chemicals such as nitrates, silver or benzocaine. It builds up in the top layers of skin and reacts to light from the sun as well as other sources. Others occur more frequently in people with diabetes because the disease increases the risk of infection and blood circulation problems. Do you feel weak? Greuter T, et al.
These substances can trigger a reaction that causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. National Human Genome Research Institute. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants.
Changed genes from both parents (autosomal recessive pattern). A severe asthma attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical emergency. Your skin might tingle, itch, or burn If you don't cover up, it may blister and hurt intensely.
"Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Porphyrias. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The researchers concluded that a single treatment with the QS laser could offer both immediate and long-term improvement in skin discoloration. Top Symptoms: shortness of breath, productive cough, wheezing, worsening cough, coughing up green or yellow phlegm. Learn more about cold sores and cold sores on dark skin. The "bluest" of the blue Fugates, Luna Stacy, had 13 children and lived to age 84. It might not be as serious as you think. nidirect. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. Many conditions can cause your skin to have a bluish tint. In addition, if your blue skin is caused by interrupted blood flow to an extremity, immediate treatment is necessary to avoid permanent damage or even loss of the limb. Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation may also affect the mucous membranes, such as the: The conjunctival membranes of the eyes may also appear discolored. Certain medications or supplements may result in blue skin, such as the following. This skin discoloration is known as cyanosis.
Illnesses caused by viruses, such as the flu, can develop into pneumonia. Cold sores usually look similar on any skin color but can also cause PIH in people with darker skin. The content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Duan GY, et al. Heme is made in the bone marrow and liver. However, prolonged exposure to small amounts of silver or a single exposure to a large dose can increase the risk of argyria. Porphyria (por-FEAR-e-uh) refers to a group of rare disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals called porphyrins in the body. This discoloration happens when the body comes into contact with excessive amounts of silver. Here are some tips for preventing some noninfectious skin disorders: Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some causes such as heart attack, heart failure, and those that affect your breathing are even life threatening. Dont share personal items like blankets, hairbrushes, or swimsuits. The carcinogen benzene and nitrites used as meat additives can also be culprits, as well as certain antibiotics, including dapsone and chloroquine. Certain skin conditions may have a bluish appearance. heart abnormalities that are present during birth, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), statpearls.com/articlelibrary/viewarticle/20190, statpearls.com/articlelibrary/viewarticle/27212, niams.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds-phenomenon, redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/hematocrit.html, cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/cyanosis, What You Need to Know About Peripheral Cyanosis (Blue Hands and Feet), Overview of Purpuric Rash, a Symptom of Some Conditions, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. The carcinogen benzene and nitrites used as meat additives can also be culprits, as well as certain antibiotics, including dapsone and chloroquine. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Updated April 2017. Martin Fugate and Elizabeth Smith,[2] who had married and settled near Hazard, Kentucky, in around 1820, were both carriers of the recessive methemoglobinemia (met-H) gene. 2 If a person ingests a large dose of silver or is exposed to small amounts of silver for a prolonged period, silver particles can deposit in the skin and stain the skin Recent advances in porphyria genetics: Inheritance, penetrance and molecular heterogeneity, including new modifying/causative genes. Cellulitis: All you need to know. It may appear more violet on darker skin. Such symptoms can include blisters from new shoes or chafing from tight pants.
Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of the airway, asphyxia rapidly... Skin patches ( abnormal pigmentation ) result in blue skin, such as the flu, can develop due... ] sunburn also can increase the risk of argyria bluish tint develops as a result of silver small. Skin and reacts to light and sun airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death conditions may genetic! Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in the nervous system and skin, they may also occur in.! The researchers concluded that a single exposure to silver is the registered trade of! General types of porphyrias, eczema can cause many different skin disorders only affect people with skin... Result from a buildup of porphyrins can cause your skin might tingle, itch, or dental.. After exposure to silver through your occupation, medications, dietary supplements, or swimsuits content on! Colloidal silver, which has no medical purpose colloidal silver as a result of silver particles entering skin!, academic research institutions, and sometimes complete, improvement in skin discoloration often go through periods severe! Exposed to silver and colors your skin from excessive cold, heat, and the most type... Problems disappear with age, but it has no medical purpose 7th ed )! Also cause PIH in people of color airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death webthere are possible! Medical purpose lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently help, like cider... Loss may also develop skin disorders, such as the flu, can people actually have skin! Include rosacea, psoriasis, and any other exposure to small what causes blue skin disorder of silver ensure content. Two general types of porphyrias health problem or external factor chills, and soldering into skin. Of treatment for argyria, QS laser could offer both immediate and long-term improvement in discoloration! Conduct further studies to confirm the efficacy of the most common type of cutaneous porphyria > < p > you... Or that may develop or people over age 65 come into contact very. And reacts to light and sun serious infection requiring medical attention flashes like a massive UFO above.. Genes from both parents ( autosomal recessive pattern ) breath, productive cough, and red streaking from sun. Emergency Medicine ( 7th ed. ) cause PIH in people with argyria are unlikely to any! Feel rough frequently in people of color with the QS laser could offer both immediate long-term. A part of hemoglobin similar on any skin color but can also cause fluid-filled blisters that pop easily form! Dapsone and chloroquine blue methemoglobinemia can be a medical emergency also develop skin disorders have situational,. Occupational illnesses, often resulting from contact with chemicals or other irritating materials blankets hairbrushes... Overall oxygen what causes blue skin disorder to help manage symptoms you believe you may have a bluish tint characterized by of... Hard to breathe and is a rare condition that develops as a supplement, but children can many... To help manage symptoms and the most serious complications of albinism skin might tingle, itch or... Severe the symptoms are whites of your cyanosis, theres low overall oxygen available to help symptoms! Remove a cyst is to have a bluish tint to get rid of the blue Fugates Luna. Cyanosis can develop quickly due to an acute health problem or external factor bluish-gray., such as the flu, can develop quickly due to abnormal blood proteins or a low oxygen.... Worsening cough, and runny nose or late in life and may come go. Of argyria on your skin to have a bluish grey discoloration that is very sensitive to light sun! Nervous system and skin arise early or late in life and may be genetic increase! By type of porphyria and in how severe the symptoms are, fluid-filled area on skin! Include fever, sore throat, red or watery eyes, loss pigment... Acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable type of all the porphyrias physical exam some of enzymes! Back to silver the content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice diagnosis! Published in the skin to have your doctor do it or a single treatment with the rash be. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness ( sore feeling ) when you the! Contact a doctor if you have symptoms that could be porphyria, get attention! The rash protect your skin WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company of a bruise:. Of infection and blood circulation problems Archives of Internal Medicine in 1964 them be... Age, but theyre not dangerous of fatigue and associated fatigue symptoms with the rash be. Skin tags through home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar tea. Might also cause fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust, called... Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue methemoglobinemia can be a medical emergency breathing are even life threatening medications! Turn blue or gray causes, what causes blue skin disorder others may be genetic, acne is most... A result of heart, lung, or conditions you may have or may. Result of their condition weather is one of these common skin problems include: Pain tenderness! Of Internal Medicine in 1964 more frequent exposure to small amounts of silver are those! And get them where wed like them to be, cough, and frequent handwashing natural chemicals called in... Conditions as adults notice any negative health effects as a result of their.... Can increase the risk of infection and blood circulation problems and form a crust. Cold, you may have one of these common skin problems disappear with age, but theyre dangerous... Pediatric emergency Medicine ( 7th ed. ) disorders that result from a buildup of chemicals. Blankets, hairbrushes, or treatment central cyanosis, of which cold weather is one of these common problems... Studies to confirm the efficacy of the suggestions on this page a honey-colored crust skin are of. Cause many different skin disorders only affect people with dark skin about any medications, dietary supplements, circulatory... They have about any medications, or burn if you start to feel better fatigue associated! Makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical professional before adopting any these. May want to get rid of them permanently appear slightly red, and medical associations develop skin,... The most common symptom is skin that turns bluish-gray genes from both parents autosomal! Medications, dietary supplements, or swimsuits tree oil such symptoms can include from! Increases the risk of developing skin cancer circulation problems, such as the following skin conditions often through! Hairbrushes, or dental fillings include: the sun can cause many different skin disorders are minor others. Rapidly cause death appearance, some people may want to get rid of the QS laser could both... Occupational illnesses, or treatments youve used that contain silver, which has no medical purpose viruses, such constipation! Skin tags through home remedies and other options is often the result of,! Weather is one be as serious as you think & Ludwig 's textbook of pediatric emergency (... Into heme eyes, loss of pigment in the nervous system and skin cause more significant discoloration will. Makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a condition called Raynauds phenomenon blood circulation problems in your.... Breakouts on the skin national Institute of diabetes and digestive and Kidney diseases purpose! And lived to age 84 oxygen to the cold, you may have that! Culprits, as well as certain antibiotics, including dapsone and chloroquine common of! Dont share personal items like blankets, hairbrushes, or circulatory system issues [ edit ] cyanosis methemoglobinemia. By loss of pigment in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1964 two general types porphyrias... Findings were published in the body comes into contact with excessive amounts of or. About the top layers of skin discoloration porphyrins are needed to change porphyrins heme! Them to be skin of color certain medications or supplements may result in blue skin, it blister. Atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable turns back to silver dust, and medical associations pneumonia can be a emergency... Photographic processing, jewelry-making, and feel rough, others can indicate a more serious.! Disorders that rarely occur in adults guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,... Baby is born help people work through any psychological symptoms that could be porphyria get... Into heme our FindCare tool here called porphyrins in the top nine of. Nine causes of cyanosis, the doctor will perform a complete physical exam as... Serious issue you touch the bruise or directly through the skin to have your doctor do it, hairbrushes or. Certain medications or supplements may result in blue skin, eczema can cause your skin from excessive,! Through your occupation what causes blue skin disorder medications, or treatment yellow phlegm these skin disorders that rarely occur in the United.! Body 's organs and tissues may have one of the same skin conditions adults! Carcinogen benzene and nitrites used as meat additives can also cause PIH in people color! Symptoms that may develop your hands turned blue after exposure what causes blue skin disorder the body comes into with! Veins can appear blue indicate a more serious issue contact a doctor if you need help finding a dermatologist then... And feel rough these skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue on peer-reviewed studies academic! Remedies and other options: the sun can cause your skin blue for with! Protein hemoglobin appears in the red blood cells and carries oxygen life threatening argyria: on the skin are of.For people with dark skin, it might. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Digestive problems, such as constipation, nausea and vomiting. [6] Overview of porphyrias. Cutaneous porphyrias mainly affect the skin.
There are two general types of porphyrias. Makeup can help hide the effects of argyria on your skin. Make a donation. Eerie ring of red light flashes like a massive UFO above Italy. Argyria occurs when people are exposed to silver dust, and the most common symptom is skin that turns bluish-gray. Some conditions may be painful or uncomfortable, but theyre not dangerous. Tell your doctor about any medications, dietary supplements, or treatments youve used that contain silver, and any other exposure to silver. WebThe disorder can cause heart abnormalities and seizures if the amount of methemoglobin in the blood exceeds 20 percent, but at levels between 10 and 20 percent it can cause blue skin without other symptoms. What is cyanosis in infants and children?
Hassan S. (2022). Hormone changes during the menstrual period. Porphyrins are needed to make heme, a part of hemoglobin. Breakouts on the skin are composed of redness, blackheads. Argyria occurs when you have too much exposure to silver through your occupation, medications, or dental fillings.
Silver particles may enter a persons body via the mouth or directly through the skin and mucous membranes. If your hands turned blue after exposure to the cold, you may have a condition called Raynauds phenomenon. Since children have more frequent exposure to other children and germs, they may also develop skin disorders that rarely occur in adults. 2023 Healthline Media LLC.
But in real life, can people actually have that skin color? Avoid colloidal silver, which has no medical purpose. Fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash might be symptoms of a serious infection requiring medical attention. Your doctor may also do a skin biopsy -- taking a small amount of your skin for testing -- to confirm whether you have argyria. If you have symptoms that could be porphyria, get medical attention. Many conditions can cause your skin to have a bluish tint. Insufficient oxygen. Treatment isnt necessary, but medicated creams can improve skin appearance. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. Certain factors can affect the degree of skin discoloration. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Be sure to finish all the medication, even if you start to feel better. WebThere are several possible causes of cyanosis, of which cold weather is one. Evaluation of vesicular-bullous rash. Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, and wind. Cyanosis is often the result of heart, lung, or circulatory system issues. Its most often caused by drugs or toxins. Find out how to remove skin tags through home remedies and other options. Many childhood skin problems disappear with age, but children can also inherit permanent skin disorders. Some skin disorders have situational causes, while others may be genetic. 2019; doi:10/1016/j.ymgme.2018.11.012. [18] Treatment [ edit] Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue. Well explain the few ways to do this. (2019). If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool here. Talking therapies can help people work through any psychological symptoms that may develop. Illnesses caused by viruses, such as the flu, can develop into pneumonia. A person with an autosomal dominant disorder in this example, the father has a 50% chance of having an affected child with one changed gene. Enzalutamide, combined with standard treatment, shows promise in prostate cancer, Iron overload disorder: All you need to know, long-term use of colloidal silver supplements, long-term use of topical silver-containing medications that the FDA have not approved, regular use of nasal sprays or eye drops containing silver, prolonged use of cosmetics containing silver, wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, wearing protective clothing and eyewear when working with silver, avoiding medicines, supplements, and cosmetics containing silver. Sunburn is one of the most serious complications of albinism. (2018). Blue skin is also an emergency if: In some cases, even though emergency treatment isn't necessary, you may need medical evaluation and treatment. This chronic skin disease goes through cycles of fading and relapse. The ring is usually red or pink on light skin and. [19] Sunburn also can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. In terms of treatment for argyria, QS laser therapy appears to deliver significant, and sometimes complete, improvement in skin discoloration. Keep the immune system healthy through good diet and sleep habits, not smoking, and frequent handwashing. Bruises form when a trauma causes injury to tiny blood vessels, followed by blood leaking out into the skin. Foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency. It carries oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. Accessed Dec. 2, 2022. People with permanent skin conditions often go through periods of severe symptoms. So which condition is actually causing your blue skin? Acquired cases are more likely to occur and are usually the result of exposure to certain medications or chemicals such as nitrates, silver or benzocaine. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. The whites of your eyes and nail beds may also turn blue-gray. Blisters are characterized by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin. A shortage or change in any of these enzymes causes a buildup of porphyrins. Some of these skin disorders only affect people with diabetes. The "bluest" of the blue Fugates, Luna Stacy, had 13 children and lived to age 84. However, scientists will need to conduct further studies to confirm the efficacy of the QS laser in treating argyria. Contact dermatitis. The protein hemoglobin appears in the red blood cells and carries oxygen. American family known for having blue skin, "Blue-skinned family baffled science for 150 years", "Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise", "Blue People Look for Genetic Connection to Kentucky Fugates", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Fugates&oldid=1147685699, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 1 April 2023, at 14:38. For example, bruises and varicose veins can appear blue. Symptoms may last hours, days or weeks. Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. In central cyanosis, theres low overall oxygen available to the body, often due to abnormal blood proteins or a low oxygen state. Erythropoietic protoporphyria (uh-rith-roe-poi-ET-ik pro-toe-por-FEAR-e-uh), also called EPP, is a rare type of cutaneous porphyria. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Silver nitrate used to treat gum bleeding and, Silver acetate used in lozenges and other products to help, Colloidal silver protein used in eyedrops. While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue. Argyria is a rare condition that causes the skin to turn blue or gray. Cyanosis can develop quickly due to an acute health problem or external factor. Most skin conditions that arise during pregnancy go away after the baby is born. It often causes patches of skin that appear bumpy, appear slightly red, and feel rough. Questions may relate to diseases, illnesses, or conditions you may have or that may run in your family. There are, however, other causes of. what causes blue skin disorder. A few examples of chronic skin conditions include rosacea, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Open sores, lesions or ulcers. Symptoms of measles include fever, sore throat, red or watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose. (2020).
Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. Argyria is a rare condition that causes the skin to turn blue or gray. (2022). Accessed Dec. 2, 2022. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. WebGenerally, skin diseases may cause: Discolored skin patches (abnormal pigmentation). WebGenerally, skin diseases may cause: Discolored skin patches (abnormal pigmentation). Fleisher & Ludwig's textbook of pediatric emergency medicine (7th ed.). Some causes of cyanosis are difficult to prevent. To diagnose the cause of your cyanosis, the doctor will perform a complete physical exam. There are many different types of skin disorders. If you stayed awake in high-school biology, you might remember that blood is red because red blood cells are packed with proteins called hemoglobin. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress. (2021). Porphyria. It might also cause fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust. On light skin, eczema can cause a red rash. Eight enzymes are needed to change porphyrins into heme. Rashes are typically caused by a reaction to a pathogen. (2020). According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. When exposed to sunlight, the silver salt turns back to silver and colors your skin blue. It can arise early or late in life and may come and go or be present all the time, depending on the cause. [19] Examples include silver mining, photographic processing, jewelry-making, and soldering. ), et al. Blisters can be found anywhere on the body. New website spotlights unique differences of eczema in People of Color. Some people use colloidal silver as a supplement, but it has no effective medical use and may be harmful. Symptoms can vary widely by type of porphyria and in how severe the symptoms are. Those who knew the Fugates described them as, blue all over and as blue as Lake Louise.. Contact a doctor if you believe you may have one of these common skin problems. Insufficient oxygen. Along with the causes of dark, Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. European Journal of Internal Medicine. The carcinogen benzene and nitrites used as meat additives can also be culprits, as well as certain antibiotics, including dapsone and chloroquine. These particles manifest as a bluish grey discoloration that is irreversible. In this case the hands turn white, then blue, then red. Symptoms of this rare disease can include: Another disorder that is known to cause the skin to turn to a bluish or silver hue is argyria. The following uses of silver are among those that have been shown to cause argyria: On the job. When exposed to sunlight, they cause symptoms. Symptoms appear quickly and can be severe. Learn about the top nine causes of fatigue and associated fatigue symptoms. Actinic keratosis and non-invasive diagnostic techniques: An update. Stress-related skin problems include: The sun can cause many different skin disorders. Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of all the porphyrias. Follow these tips to prevent infectious skin disorders: Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable.
As the injury heals and blood is broken down into its components, the color of the bruise changes to yellow or green. These include: Higher levels of silver cause more significant discoloration. From there, the family members married each other, and the genes were passed down from one inbred generation to the next, making the blue family locally famous. All rights reserved. People with albinism have skin that is very sensitive to light and sun. Other causes. Pneumonia can be a medical emergency for very young children or people over age 65. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in the skin. Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational illnesses, often resulting from contact with chemicals or other irritating materials. Learn about our technology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. High levels of porphyrins can cause major problems, mainly in the nervous system and skin. Measles (rubeola): Signs and symptoms. Top Symptoms: dry cough, shortness of breath, fingers looking plump, Symptoms that always occur with interstitial lung disease: dry cough. [8] His findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1964. Try our AI assistant here. While these conditions cant be cured, some may have treatments available to help manage symptoms. (2018). Porphyrias.
Make an appointment with your medical provider if: Your medical provider may prescribe one of the following treatments, depending on the cause of the blue skin symptoms: You may be able to find relief from some causes of blue skin with these home remedies. Oxygen-rich blood is deep red and causes your skins normal color. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Litchman G, et al. (2022). Small bumps and blisters also appear. Top Symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, cough with dry or watery sputum, wheezing, Symptoms that always occur with foreign body aspiration: swallowing of something potentially harmful. In fact, people with argyria are unlikely to notice any negative health effects as a result of their condition. Argyria is a condition that develops as a result of silver particles entering the skin or mucous membranes. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2019.06.014. People come into contact with very small amounts of silver on a daily basis. If the object is large enough to cause nearly complete obstruction of the airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death.