What is cyanosis?

Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, which occurs when there is an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood. This can happen due to a variety of medical conditions that affect the respiratory or circulatory systems, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues.

When blood is low in oxygen, it takes on a darker red hue, which, when viewed through the skin, appears bluish. This is most commonly observed in areas where the skin is thin, such as the lips, fingertips, and certain parts of the face. Recognizing cyanosis is critical in clinical practice as it may indicate serious underlying health issues that require immediate assessment and intervention.

Other descriptions, such as yellow discoloration, pertain to different conditions (like jaundice), while abnormal swelling refers to edema, and scar tissue is related to wound healing processes. Hence, the definition of cyanosis specifically aligns with its description as a bluish discoloration of the skin.