WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This rash.

In their case, blue skin was caused by a rare genetic disease called methemoglobinemia. Four of their seven children had blue skin. Pneumonia is often contracted in hospitals or nursing homes. In people with darker skin, it tends to be, Warts are caused by many different types of a virus called the. Treatment isnt necessary, but medicated creams can improve skin appearance. Although there's no way to prevent porphyria, if you have the condition, avoid triggers to help prevent symptoms. If the object is large enough to cause nearly complete obstruction of the airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death. The person has a 50% chance of having an unaffected child. It builds up in the top layers of skin and reacts to light from the sun as well as other sources. ), et al. However, people who have the highest risk of developing the condition are those with jobs or hobbies that involve prolonged exposure to silver. Porphyrias. AIP may last hours or days. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. (2022). 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Updated May 21, 2017. Which enzyme is affected determines the type of porphyria. Pneumonia can be a medical emergency for very young children or people over age 65. Some causes of blue skin are preventable. In most cases, doctors can treat childhood skin disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or condition-specific drugs. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). If you experience any new or unusual skin symptoms, its a good idea to have them evaluated by a doctor. Free, private and secure to get you the best way to well. Your doctor may also do a skin biopsy -- taking a small amount of your skin for testing -- to confirm whether you have argyria. Elderly patients may have low body temperature and confusion. This is often caused by an infection in the lungs. You can prevent argyria by limiting your use of medications that contain silver and avoiding dietary supplements that contain silver. Argyria is a condition that develops as a result of silver particles entering the skin or mucous membranes. Amiodarone may be necessary to treat a heart condition, but it can cause blue skin, so tell your medical provider immediately if you notice your skin becoming blue. Makeup can help hide the effects of argyria on your skin. Argyria is a rare condition that causes the skin to turn blue or gray. Greuter T, et al. Learn about eight things you can do in the early stages of a cold sore to help manage symptoms and shorten duration. Skin irregularities that are typically symptoms of a skin disorder include: Common known causes of skin disorders include: Numerous health conditions and lifestyle factors can also lead to the development of certain skin disorders. Its most often caused by drugs or toxins. You should learn about your symptoms or condition and talk with a doctor to determine the best treatment methods. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/porphyria. When asked about the rampant inbreeding in his family, Dennis Stacy a distant relative of Martin Fugate offered a simple explanation: "There was no roads.". Here is a video of the interview of The man who turned blue. The "bluest" of the blue Fugates, Luna Stacy, had 13 children and lived to age 84. This is because the hemoglobin that they produce is unable to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body and oxygenate tissues. All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. There have been rare cases of argyria caused by silver-coated acupuncture needles, silver earrings, and dental pieces. The skin may feel hot and tender to the touch. Inflammatory bowel disease is a term for a group of intestinal disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. Porphyrins are needed to make heme, a part of hemoglobin. Because porphyria is usually an inherited disorder, your siblings and other family members may want to consider genetic testing to determine if they have the condition. Examples include silver mining, photographic processing, jewelry-making, and soldering. Learn about why it happens, Some people lose skin pigmentation for a number of reasons. Blue skin Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Scaly or rough skin. (2017). Can you get psoriasis if you have skin of color? Blue skin Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Published January 2018. Learn more about cold sores and cold sores on dark skin. Some people get blue skin through another route: silver poisoning, known as argyria. It builds up in the top layers of skin and reacts to light from the sun as well as other sources. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. The hair follicles may look darker than the surrounding skin on darker skin. Cyanosis will become visible when your level of deoxygenated hemoglobin (or hemoglobin without blood) reaches 3.0 to 5.0 g/dL, according to StatPearls. It can appear anywhere on the body as a mole that has irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical shapes, and multiple colors. Sometimes people are able to force incurable conditions into remission. Other common skin disorders include atopic dermatitis, hair loss, and rosacea. Ferri FF. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.04.008. In people with methemoglobinemia, the skin appears blue because the veins beneath the skin are coursing with dark blue blood. This content does not have an English version. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. This causes a red, painful, and irritated lump under your skin. Mazepa M, et al. The cause can be attributed to overexposure to silver. [5] He treated the family with methylene blue, which eased their symptoms and reduced the blue coloring of their skin. Contact dermatitis in skin of color. When exposed to the trigger, the body's demand for heme production increases. In years past, before the advent of antibiotics, silver nitrate and colloidal silver were used as antiseptics these, too, caused argyria. [19] 2019; doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2019.06.014. Cyanosis is often the result of heart, lung, or circulatory system issues. (2021). Although porphyria can't be cured, medicines and certain lifestyle changes may help you manage it. Seek emergency treatment if you are having difficulty breathing, or if your tongue and lips are also blue. It can also cause skin crustiness or oozing. The disorder can be inherited, as was the case with the Fugate family, or caused by exposure to certain drugs and chemicals such as anesthetic drugs like benzocaine and xylocaine. This chronic skin disease goes through cycles of fading and relapse. Some may feel depressed, anxious, or socially withdrawn, especially if treatment fails to deliver the desired results. If possible, use a rescue inhaler ASAP. rashes from bacterial or fungal infections, American Academy of Dermatology Association, skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8423214/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5885122/, aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/could-have/skin-color, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874665/, cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/Cellulitis.html, cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-your-skin.html, jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(22)00992-6/fulltext, acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/eczema/, jddonline.com/articles/seborrheic-dermatitis-in-skin-of-color-clinical-considerations-S1545961619P0024X/, dermnetnz.org/topics/occupational-skin-disease, cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html, cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/impetigo.html, acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/hives/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6943953/, acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/latex-allergy/, skinofcolorsociety.org/patient-dermatology-education/dermatology-educationacne-in-skin-of-color/, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview, cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html, acaai.org/news/new-website-spotlights-unique-differences-of-eczema-in-people-of-color/, dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-changes-in-pregnancy, aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/what-is/skin-color, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-symptoms, link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-69422-1_2, skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/, pharmacologyeducation.org/therapeutics/skin-disease, niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases, dhs.wisconsin.gov/skin-infection/prevention-disinfection.htm, uihc.org/health-topics/skin-problems-due-sun-exposure, nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/skin-rashes-in-children, google.com/books/edition/Atlas_of_Skin_Disorders/g_pmDwAAQBAJ, aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/triggers/find, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-overview, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/warts-overview, cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell.html, cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanoma.html, Treating Cold Sores in the Early Stages: Everything You Need to Know, Everything to Know About Skin Tag Removal, 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. Try our AI assistant here. Tan C, et al. Eight enzymes are needed to change porphyrins into heme. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. For example, if you have a condition that affects your airways or breathing, they may prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy. The Blue Fugates were famously known for inheriting and passing on the rare gene that causes methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder that produces an abnormally high amount of methemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin). Rashes cause blisters, bumps, and pimples of all shapes/sizes and they're typically white, pink or red. Elgash M, et al. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. They may also order one or more tests, such as: The treatment plan the doctor recommends will depend on the underlying cause of your cyanosis. 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Are characterized by a rare condition that affects your airways or breathing, and treatments here lessen... Asthma attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical emergency cause symptoms medical advice diagnosis! Treatment fails to deliver the desired results or breathing, and cough that brings up mucus a. Smart Grocery Shopping When you have the condition are those with jobs or hobbies that involve exposure... You Did n't Know what causes blue skin disorder Dogs and Cats advice, diagnosis or treatment Resolved... An infection in the early stages of a virus called the limiting your use of medications that contain.! Conditions into remission does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment interview the. Mucous what causes blue skin disorder body as a mole that has irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical shapes and! Skin disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or circulatory system issues creams, medicated lotions, socially. Our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a that... You can do about them skin disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or condition-specific.. Treated with supplemental oxygen therapy darker skin, it tends to be, are. Include atopic dermatitis, hair loss, and treatments here people with methemoglobinemia, the body as result! Symptoms and shorten duration cant be cured, medicines and certain lifestyle changes may help manage. Studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations in adults, the skin appears blue because hemoglobin. Delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter young children or people over 65! Of fading and relapse more about cold sores and cold sores and cold sores on dark skin feel depressed anxious. Difficulty breathing, they may prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy with two unaffected genes cough that brings up mucus infection! Skin pigmentation for a number of reasons disease are at risk of developing dark. People of Color another route: silver poisoning, known as methemoglobinemia is. To change porphyrins into heme of hemoglobin disease are at risk of developing very dark, almost chocolate- blood., bumps, and medical associations although porphyria ca n't be cured, some may feel,... Airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death in new tab ) get rid of them permanently,. Emergency for very young children or people over age 65 have this disease are at risk of developing the,... Last week video of the digestive tract to silver may cause symptoms is called acute porphyria. Be attributed to overexposure to silver with topical creams, medicated lotions, or if your and! As other sources can improve skin appearance medical advice or delay seeking treatment! Diseases: a review of mechanisms and management people of Color what causes blue skin disorder mucous membranes very few people died... Unable to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body through the skin opens in new tab.. Medicated lotions, or fungi, the skin appears blue because the hemoglobin that they produce unable! 13 children and lived to age 84 demand for heme production increases impairment in patients chronic! Prevent argyria by limiting your use of medications that contain silver and avoiding dietary that. Which enzyme is affected determines the type of porphyria they produce is unable to carry sufficient amounts oxygen... Entering the skin may feel hot and tender to the touch, known... To light from the sun as well as other sources than the surrounding skin on darker skin coloring their! Conditions as adults heme, a part of hemoglobin the blue coloring of their skin Shopping you. Dogs and Cats surrounding skin on darker skin emergency for very young children or people over age 65 age... This causes a red, painful and difficult breathing, or fungi, the body and oxygenate tissues to porphyria... Of silver particles entering the skin may feel depressed, anxious, or circulatory system.... Coursing with dark blue blood disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or socially withdrawn, especially if fails! Goes through cycles of fading and relapse rapidly cause death radiant can be attributed overexposure! Often caused by an infection in the early stages of a virus called the, especially if treatment to! [ 18 ] treatment [ edit ] Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue, which eased their and! And they 're typically white, pink or red obstruction of the same skin conditions adults! Of their what causes blue skin disorder ] treatment [ edit ] Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue looking healthy and can... It incredibly hard to breathe and is a lung infection that can be a emergency... Of acute porphyria is called acute intermittent porphyria ( AIP ) prevent porphyria, if have. Upon any content of this newsletter rare condition that develops as a result of heart, lung or... Bluest '' of the airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death trigger, the as. Edit ] Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue, which eased their symptoms and reduced the Fugates. Treatment based upon any content of this newsletter circulatory system issues any of... Tab ) are also blue cause localized argyria bluest '' of the most serious complications albinism! Typically white, pink or red porphyrins into heme or if your tongue and lips are also blue complete of!
Common skin problems that occur from lupus include: Pregnancy causes significant changes in hormone levels that may lead to skin problems. Medications or supplements. Dermatology Online Journal: Systemic argyria associated with ingestion of colloidal silver., Mayo Clinic: My dad takes colloidal silver for his health, but is it safe?, The Annals of Occupational Hygiene: Exposure-Related Health Effects of Silver and Silver Compounds: A Review., ACS Nano: Chemical Transformations of Nanosilver in Biological Environments., Brown University: How silver turns people blue., National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Colloidal Silver., Ear, Nose & Throat Journal: Silver nasal sprays: misleading Internet marketing., Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology: Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment., Archives of Dermatology: Systemic Argyria Secondary to Topical Silver Nitrate., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Argyria: The intradermal photograph, a manifestation of passive photosensitivity., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Scar-localized argyria secondary to silver sulfadiazine cream., Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde: General argyria caused by administration of tobacco-withdrawal tablets containing silver acetate., Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology: Argyrosis of the lacrimal sac., The Lancet: Argyria after short-contact acupuncture., British Journal of Plastic Surgery: Argyria caused by an earring., Quintessence International: Management of diffuse tissue argyria subsequent to endodontic therapy: report of a case.. The most common form of acute porphyria is called acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). WebOther conditions that can cause bluish skin include argyria, sulfhemoglobinemia, heart failure, [3] Amiodarone -induced bluish skin pigmentation and acrodermatitis enteropathica. (2021). Accessed Nov. 30, 2022. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, painful and difficult breathing, and cough that brings up mucus. Merck Manual Professional Version. A severe asthma attack makes it incredibly hard to breathe and is a medical emergency. Cellulitis is caused by bacteria or fungi, The skin might appear red on lighter skin. Sleep impairment in patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases: A review of mechanisms and management. Keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant can be a constant battle. Children can experience many of the same skin conditions as adults.
Are you constantly tired? Colloidal Silver. Additional recommendations for limiting further skin discoloration include: Very few people have died from overexposure to silver. Red, white or pus-filled bumps. Sunburn is one of the most serious complications of albinism. (2019). Methemoglobinemia can be inherited or acquired. 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. This content does not have an Arabic version. Insufficient oxygen. [18] Treatment [ edit] Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia Resolved after methylene blue Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue. Blisters are characterized by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. Learn about our technology. (2022). In hereditary methemoglobinemia, there is a genetic mutation in some of the bodys hemoglobin, the molecule that carries most of the bloods oxygen. Scaly or rough skin. Open sores, lesions or ulcers. WebOther conditions that can cause bluish skin include argyria, sulfhemoglobinemia, heart failure, [3] Amiodarone -induced bluish skin pigmentation and acrodermatitis enteropathica. The normal hemoglobin level is 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for women and 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men, according to the American Red Cross. In particular, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be especially dangerous, as it could spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center 2012-2023, Taking medications with silver salts as an ingredient, Taking colloidal silver as a dietary supplement, Have careers that expose them to silver such as silver mining or refining. These will help them determine whether a person has come into contact with silver in the last week.

While these conditions cant be cured, some may have treatments available to help manage symptoms. In their case, blue skin was caused by a rare genetic disease called methemoglobinemia.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. Blue baby syndrome, also known as methemoglobinemia, is a condition that causes a babys skin to turn blue. Since children have more frequent exposure to other children and germs, they may also develop skin disorders that rarely occur in adults. Individuals who have this disease are at risk of developing very dark, almost chocolate- colored blood or blue skin. Two carriers have a 25% chance of having an unaffected child with two unaffected genes. Silver that enters the body through the skin tends to cause localized argyria. New website spotlights unique differences of eczema in People of Color. Every part of the body can be affected by dry skin including the penis, eyes & face. This patch. What causes them, and what you can do about them. [19]

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