The Online Pediatrician

Joseph H Matusic, Jr, MD, FAAP, HIMS AME

830 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25302

(304) 343-1863

(304) 344-1755 fax

Joseph H Matusic, Jr, MD, FAAP, HIMS AME

830 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25302

(304) 343-1863

(304) 344-1755 fax

Joseph H Matusic, Jr, MD, FAAP, HIMS AME

830 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25302

(304) 343-1863

(304) 344-1755 fax

Joseph H Matusic, Jr, MD, FAAP, HIMS AME

830 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25302

(304) 343-1863

(304) 344-1755 fax

CIRCUMORAL CYANOSIS

This is a blue tint to the skin SURROUNDING the lips, but not on the lips. This is normal and is simply the blue color of the veins just below the skin in this area. If you look closely enough, then you can see this blue tint most of the time. Normal skin color is white to clear and the pink-red flesh tone we see is due to blood in the arteries just above the veins. When the arterial blood in this area diminishes for various reasons, you will see the blue tint of the veins underneath. This is very different from true cyanosis which is a blue color to the lips. Should you see a blue color on the lips, then this should be considered an emergency and you should call the office immediately on an emergency basis or call 911.

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