Blue tinge

Alexanders mummy · #1 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 13:55

I have noticed that Alexander sometimes gets a blue tinge to his bottom lip,its only happened a couple of times & it only lasts for about 10 mins,it seems to be when he is playing.

Do you think i should be worried?

He seems fine in every aspect,not breathless at all,he has a cold but its just a runny nose not on his chest at all.

bethtanner · #2 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 14:09

Just to be on the safe side mention it to your GP. I looked after a little girl that had this quite often. The GP was concerened enough to ask for tests but thankfully was'nt anything wrong. Mainly happened when she was running around alot. If he is other wisde fine then i would'nt worry but would still mention it, beth xxxx

EllieJane · #3 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 16:17

this mite sound like a stupid suggestion, but my midwives always told me that newborn babies have blue lips when they have wind, could it be that he needs a belch?

noababy · #4 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 16:47

Below is some stuff I found for you on the web. My personal opinion is this. I do not think it is anything because generally if there is a problem it is both lips not just the bottom lip. I would to be on the safe side-keep an eye on it and keep a small diary of dates, times, how long lasts and what he is doing as well as if it is cold or hot in the area. After 2-3 weeks, you will have a clearer picture and see if there is a pattern. If you happen to go to the GP before then mention it, if not make an appointment in a few weeks after you have kept track adn just touch base with the GP. No harm done asking and consulting.

MYTH: A common belief is a baby will become "blue around the lips" when he has wind/gas. This is not true. A bluish tinge around a baby's lips is due to increased blood circulation... which is often more obvious when a baby is crying (for any reason).

Your Baby's Circulation: Skin Looks Blue
Parents should investigate a bluish color they spot on their baby's skin. Blue skin means the underlying blood has a blue cast, rather than the nice pink color of blood with lots of oxygen in it. Fortunately, in most cases it's quite normal and harmless.

What's the Underlying Problem When the Skin is Blue?
There are two reasons why the blood under the skin might look blue:

The baby's lungs are not getting enough oxygen. Since oxygen is what makes blood turn red, blood cells without oxygen remain blue ("cyanosis").
The underlying blood is moving sluggishly, so the normal veins underneath that carry blue, oxygen-poor blood back to the heart are more noticeable.

You can tell if there is insufficient oxygen in the blood by checking the color of the skin all over your baby's body. If there is a bluish cast everywhere (especially in areas with a lot of blood flow, like the lips, tongue, and vagina or scrotum), this could mean all of the blood is blue and there could be a problem with the heart or lungs.

More commonly, it's only certain areas -- like the hands, feet, or area around the mouth -- that look blue some of the time. This is usually perfectly normal and just reflects the baby's somewhat immature circulation.

Tips for Concerned Parents:
If you are concerned about a blue tinge to your baby's skin, check his entire body. An off-and-on blue cast to the hands and feet, with pink skin elsewhere, is not a sign of a problem, but rather just a little bit of immaturity to the circulatory system, which will go away over time.

When to Worry:
If there is a bluish cast over the entire body, the blood may be lacking sufficient oxygen. This is very worrisome and you should seek medical attention immediately.

But you don't need to worry if your baby's hands and feet turn blue for a short period of time when the rest of the body is pink. This is merely your baby's immature circulatory system at work.
WebMD Medical Reference

EllieJane · #5 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by noababy

MYTH: A common belief is a baby will become "blue around the lips" when he has wind/gas. This is not true. A bluish tinge around a baby's lips is due to increased blood circulation... which is often more obvious when a baby is crying (for any reason).

Oh well i guess that throws my theory out the window! LOL!

Alexanders mummy · #6 (**permalink**) 16-12-07, 17:21

Thanks Susie thats great info you found there,i will see how he is over Christmas & then maybe pop along to see our GP in the new yr.

mum2many · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-11, 11:24

Thanks thats put my mind at rest a bit, you wouldnt think Id need it with a 5th child lol. My 6mth old daughter has a very bluish underside of her tongue and noticed today and her bottom lip has a distinct blue tinge to it, from what Ive read it wouldnt seem to be anything to worry about. Otherwise she is perfectly healthy, happy and pink!!

Jools