Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. [6], Descendants with the gene continued to live near Troublesome Creek and Ball Creek into the 20th century. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes small, painful bumps on many parts of the body, including the underarms, groin, buttocks, upper thighs, and breasts. Dermatol Online J. . It is thought that it occurs in only one in 75,000 to one in 200,000 people in Europe. The pigmentation is permanent and almost untreatable. Such as waking up frequently during the night. Allergic contact dermatitis. Etiology and evaluation of cyanosis in children. In their case, blue skin was caused by a rare genetic disease called methemoglobinemia. It has also been found in people on specific medications., Since there is no cure for fish scale disease, treatment options are designed to help cope with and manage the disease. Treatments include:. The Cure Harlequin ichthyosis is passed down through autosomal recessive genes, so the biggest risk factor is being born from both parents who have the affected gene. It is often found in people with autoimmune disorders, and is typically found in early childhood cases of Blau syndrome. Typically, the best time to apply creams is when the skin is moist following a bath. "Some lung and heart diseases can cause the fingernails . As a result, four of their seven children exhibited blue skin, and continued reproduction within the limited local gene pool ensured that many descendants of the Fugates were born with met-H.[3][4][5], The 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. Ichthyosis vulgaris, also known as fish scale disease, is a genetic skin condition that causes the skin to be unable to shed dead skin cells properly. Eczema and bacterial infections on the upper layer of the skin have also been found in those with elastoderma. "Acral" refers to the fact that the peeling is most apparent on the hands and feet, although peeling may also occur on the arms and legs. Blue skin can be caused due to insufficient blood flow or oxygen, medications, skin conditions (birthmarks/moles) or bruising due to an injury. It may only affect one area of skin, or it could change the appearance of all your skin. Causes of blue skin Insufficient blood flow. Keep the immune system healthy through good diet and sleep habits, not smoking, and frequent handwashing. There is no cure for this skin disorder, so treatment focuses on protecting the skin and preventing infections. This is caused by capillaries in the face dilating, which allow in more blood and can make the skin of the face noticeably red. They may also order one or more tests, such as: In blood tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin can cause cyanosis. Prevalence estimates for pemphigoid in the United States: A sex-adjusted and age-adjusted population analysis. This pet nail clipper with LED light allows your dog or cat to easily enjoy the manicure process! Affected children have at least one affected parent. Avoid colloidal silver, which has no medical purpose. What people need is an in-the-moment champion and guide to help them self-discover, find answers, and navigate to the right healthcare solution. Other symptoms that can occur after being out in the sun in people with EPP include:, The symptoms of EPP tend to go away within one day and dont generally lead to permanent damage. 9 Reasons You're Experiencing Fatigue. Needing or ready for sleep. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing. In 2019, the novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson, described a fictional version of the Fugate family during the Great Depression. Softening emollients, especially those containing urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids, are particularly effective when applied after bathing while the skin is still moist. Updated May 21, 2017. Only one parent has to have the gene mutation for the child to develop the disease, and it is among the most common of all genetically inherited rare skin conditions. Although rare, argyria causes tissue to turn a bluish-gray color. This is a speech disorder caused by injury to the brain. When those levels rise to greater than 20 percent, heart abnormalities, seizures and even death can occur. Morgellons is often mistaken as a psychiatric disorder. Some people use colloidal silver as a supplement, but it has no effective medical use and may be harmful. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Affected children have unaffected parents. Reddish-blue skin patches on the palms of your hands are a symptom of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and heart valves. Life-threatening causes of cyanosis include: Cyanosis can also be the result of a worsening health condition, or develop gradually due to a chronic or long-term health condition. It typically occurs in one in every 250 people, and accounts for close to 95% of all ichthyosis cases.. Colloidal Silver. The main symptom of argyria is blue-gray, metallic, or slate-gray skin. This condition usually begins with a gray-brown staining of the gums that later progress to involve large areas of the skin. Under-oxygenated blood is bluer and causes your skin to look bluish purple. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. What is the function of melanin? Going HAM on eyedrops every day is not a good idea. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. (2018). The condition affects one in every 500,000 babies born every year in the United States. The person will, however, become a carrier, and it can still be passed down to future children. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Learn more here. 5. Taking medication or using products that contain silver may cause blue skin. Learn how to recognize the warning signs. Cyan is a blue-green color. 5 Heterozygotes are affected. Erythropoietic protoporphyria and x-linked protoporphyria. It is usually present at birth, but can appear later in childhood or in early adulthood. Some skin diseases such as keratosis pilaris or psoriasis affect millions of Americans each year. Silver sutures used in surgeries were one of the causes of this blue skin disease. Aspiration Pneumonia occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs, causing an infection. A lack or low level of circulating oxygen in your red blood cells causes blue fingernails. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis successfully treated with etanercept. Dental fillings made of this metal causes argyria in some cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. The fingernails, conjunctival membranes, and mucous membranes may become hyperpigmented (when patches of skin becomes darker compared to the rest), Hyperpigmentation is most pronounced in sun-exposed areas such as the face (particularly forehead and nose), neck, arms, and hands, Poorly developed nose, obstructed nostrils, Poorly developed, flattened, or absent ears, External auditory canal may be obstructed by scale, Hypoplasia (underdevelopment of tissues or organs) and extra fingers and toes, Hyperlinearity (pronounced skin lines) of palms and soles, Regular application of lotions with propylene glycol, Applycreamsor lotions containingsalicylic acid,glycolic acid, lactic acid, orureato exfoliate and moisturise skin. People with EPP are also at a heightened risk of developing liver damage because of the high amounts of the protoporphyrin protein in their blood. Many health disorders that involve the heart, lungs, blood or circulation will also cause cyanosis. Blue Skin and Lips (Cyanosis). The Fugates, a family living in the hills of Kentucky starting in the 19th century, were commonly known as the "Blue Fugates"[1] or the "Blue People of Kentucky". (2018). Hemoglobin. Free, secure, and powered by Buoy advanced AI to get you the best way to better. The treatment plan your doctor recommends will depend on the underlying cause of your cyanosis. Once this is done, nails should gradually grow back normally. Or you may get blue hands after spending time outside in cold weather. The number of cases related toinfectionis small, however, and there is no evidence that thesebacteriadirectly cause Morgellons disease. Prevalence and incidence of rare diseases: Bibliographic data. Blisters are characterized by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin. 14. Many causes of blue skin can be addressed at a regular appointment rather than in the emergency room. Pemphigus is more common in people of Jewish or Mediterranean descent. Other factors that may increase a person's chance of pemphigus include: There is no cure for pemphigus, but there are some treatment options to help control the condition and prevent infection of the blisters. IGD often occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis. 2014;70(3):512-6. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.11.013, Lencastre A, Lobo M, Joo A. Argyria -- case report. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Although "hidradenitis" implies an inflammatory disorder of sweatglands, research has shown that hidradenitis suppurativa is anautoinflammatorysyndrome., Associations and risk factors include:, There are two main treatment options for Hidradenitis suppurativa: medication and surgery. Hadjiliadis D. Blue Discoloration of the Skin. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis successfully treated with etanercept. Learn about our technology. conditions of autosomal recessive. DermNet NZ. Argyria is a rare skin condition that can happen if silver builds up in your body over a long time. Buoy Healths services are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Oxygen-rich blood is deep red and causes your skin's normal color. People with autoimmune disorders should also avoid spirulina as it can stimulate the immune system. Chang LM, Reyes M. A case of harlequin ichthyosis treated with isotretinoin. "I have lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). [9], Benjamin Stacy, born in 1975, was the last known descendant of the Fugates to have been born exhibiting the characteristic blue color of the disorder, though he quickly lost his blue skin tone, exhibiting only blue tinges on his lips and fingertips when he became cold or agitated.[5]. Oxygen-rich blood is deep red and causes your skin's normal color. Less-common causes of blue lips include polycythemia vera (a bone marrow disorder that causes the production of excess red blood cells) and cor pulmonale (a decrease in the function . Local causes - eg, trauma or chemicals. Argyria is a rare condition that makes your complexion to turn blue or gray shade. Melanogenesis is the name of the process where melanins are produced by specialized pigment cells called melanocytes, in response to UV radiation. There are not many cases of affected infants surviving through childhood into adulthood, but advancements in medicine and specialized treatment make it a possibility. 2013;88(3):413-6. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20131864, Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Nouri K. 1064nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of Argyria: a systematic review. The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin color. Some experts believe that it could be linked to genetics, issues within the immune function, and hormones. Silver has no known benefits when swallowed and isnt essential to the human body. (2018). MD can also cause headaches, tinnitus (ringing sound in ears), emotional instability, cough, irregular heart rate, and more. If your hands turned blue after exposure to the cold, you may have a condition called Raynauds phenomenon. Raynauds disease. All rights reserved. Other causes. What is blue sclera? Paul Karason - American resident who was a sufferer of Blue Skin . Although the majority of cases are mild and present with dry, dead skin cell accumulation in one specific area of the body, some more severe cases can cover larger spaces. This is often caused by an infection in the lungs. The main risk factor is being born to one or both parents who have the gene. Treatment involves treating or eliminating the cause. The terms "skin condition" and "skin disorder" are used interchangeably to describe various skin problems, from small red bumps on the skin to widespread rashes. Sores heal slowly, and when they heal, they turn into a dark spot. Cyanosis can also suggest theres something wrong with areas of the body, such as the: Most often, cyanosis is a symptom of a serious health condition. Under-oxygenated blood is bluer and causes your skin to look bluish purple. doi:10.5070/D3202021540, American Academy of Dermatology Association. This could happen after a few months or years, depending on how much silver you are exposed to. Keloids and hypertrophic scars are similar in many ways but differ in their risk factors, treatment, and outlook. Antibiotic treatment is needed to prevent or treat infections at this time. Cyanosis occurs when there's too little oxygen in the blood. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. This is because the hemoglobin that they produce is unable to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body and oxygenate tissues. Despite having the disorder, most of the Fugates lived into their 80s and 90s with no significant health problems. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: Apublication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part II: Topical, intralesional, and systemic medical management. Argyria - A rare disease that turns your skin Blue. Argyria is a rare skin disorder that causes the skin to change color into a blue or grayish hue. Learn about our technology. By Angelica Bottaro Take a thorough self-assessment on what you may have, Rash: Common Types of Skin Rashes & Home Remedies You Can Try. inheritance. Is it impossible to stay awake? Raynauds phenomenon can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it is important to see a medical provider. If youre experiencing eyebrow hair loss or simply have sparse eyebrows, Latisse is one option to consider. This condition is called cyanosis. In James Camerons 2009 blockbuster "Avatar," the forest-loving Navi have stunning blue skin. Its possible that some peoples genes make them more likely to get argyria. Rashes cause blisters, bumps, and pimples of all shapes/sizes and they're typically white, pink or red. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema. People whose blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish color to their skin. If you have argyria, the symptoms may start in your mouth, with your gums turning gray-brown. Cancer spread, or metastasis, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The "bluest" of the blue Fugates, Luna Stacy, had 13 children and lived to age 84. Morgellons disease: Analysis of a population with clinically confirmed microscopic subcutaneous fibers of unknown etiology. It consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid. Its also more noticeable on light colored skin. The skin condition causes a person to feel as though there are insects crawling on top or underneath their skin near the infected area. Erythropoietic protoporphyria and x-linked protoporphyria. Published January 2018. Prevalence estimates for pemphigoid in the United States: A sex-adjusted and age-adjusted population analysis. Cyanosis is the medical term for when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. It can turn your skin, eyes, internal organs, nails, and gums a blue-gray color, especially in areas of your body exposed to sunlight. independent assortment. Heterozygotes have a normal phenotype. Light dressings should be applied to prevent infection.. Pemphigus vulgaris (70% of all pemphigus cases) begins in the mouth and then occurs on the skin or genital area. Pemphigus foliaceus affects only the skin and often develops on the face, scalp, and upper body. Carriers may have bluish lips and fingernails at birth, which usually lighten. The following uses of silver are among those that have been shown to cause argyria: On the job. Drug overdoses from sedatives, benzodiazepines, or narcotics can cause purple skin. The disease is not life-threatening, but the discoloration of the skin can pose challenges in day-to-day life. 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. 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. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body. Elastoderma. Stack AM, et al. Makeup can help hide the effects of argyria on your skin. Your doctor may also do a skin biopsy -- taking a small amount of your skin for testing -- to confirm whether you have argyria. Diagnosis is made through blood tests and chest x-ray. Fish scale disease can be found on any part of the body, and symptoms are less severe in a warm, humid climate. Symptoms often appear after about two months of birth and usually before the age of 5. Ichthyosis vulgaris: Who Gets and Causes. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, In some conditions, blue skin occurs because the blood is carrying an abnormally low amount of oxygen. This is because of a condition called methemoglobinemia, which causes methemoglobin levels in the red blood cells to rise above 1 percent.It turns the skin blue, the lips purple, and the blood a . She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. Your hands can turn blue due to a low level of oxygen in the body, caused by a problem with the lungs or heart. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. If you take medication that contains silver for a long time, it can cause argyria. Aside from being a beautiful shade of bluish-green, spirulina boasts an exciting amount of health benefits. Cyanosis occurs when there's too little oxygen in the blood. The Blue Fugates of Troublesome Creek was an entire family from Eastern Kentucky made up of blue-skinned people. He helped raise awareness of this condition as well as the potentially harmful side effects of ingesting silver-based products. There have been rare cases of argyria caused by silver-coated acupuncture needles, silver earrings, and dental pieces. In methemoglobinemia, the hemoglobin is unable to release oxygen effectively to body tissues. For example, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy if you have a condition that affects your airways or breathing. When exposed to sunlight, the silver salt turns back to silver and colors your skin blue. Adil H, Walsh S. Elastoderma: Case Report and Literature Review. All possible ___________ of chromosomes are in the gametes produced by meiosis. Anti-TNF agents such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab are also linked to IGD. Stack AM. Morgellons may also be treated with antipsychotic medications. The preferred ointments include Vaseline or plain petroleum jelly as other types such as corticosteroids and retinoids have shown no efficacy in the treatment of the condition and can even cause adverse reactions., If blister develop, they may be lanced with a sterile needle. Because of the scarring, the lung becomes stiff, eventually affecting ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. Pneumonia is often contracted in hospitals or nursing homes. [10], "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=1133437983, This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 20:18. The most common cause is a bruise. The following are the primary negative consequences of face bleaching: 1. Occupational skin disease is among the most common occupational diseases reported. Prevalence and incidence of rare diseases: Bibliographic data. This is caused by the overexposure to silver. Foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency. Erythropoietic protoporphyria. Complications may include seizures and heart arrhythmias.. Methemoglobinemia can be due to certain medications, chemicals, or food or it can be inherited. It's unclear what the exact cause of this skin disorder is. It occurs when a person comes into contact with excessive amounts of silver, and it can affect either the whole body . Psoriasis prevalence among adults in the United States. Exposure to silver can take place through occupational exposure like workers involved in silver mining, taking medications with silver salts such as eye drops, using colloidal silver supplements like those for arthritis and diabetes, and during certain surgical and dental procedures involving silver sutures and silver dental fillings. All rights reserved. Get vaccinated to prevent respiratory infections and serious illnesses. Will, however, and it can cause argyria of oxygen in the lungs doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.11.013! Disorders that involve the heart, lungs, blood or circulation will also cause cyanosis when! And accounts for close to 95 % of all shapes/sizes and they 're typically white, pink or red your. Become a carrier, and products are for informational purposes only future children up of blue-skinned.! Disease called methemoglobinemia often caused by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on job. Lung and heart diseases can cause argyria: on the upper layer of the Fugates into... Affecting ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into the 20th century factors treatment! Of birth and usually before the age of 5 people whose blood is bluer and causes your skin & x27! Or both parents who have the gene continued to live near Troublesome Creek an. Is unable to release oxygen effectively to body tissues condition as well as the potentially harmful side of... Often occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis the age 5... And sleep habits, not smoking, and navigate to the human.! Happen after a few months or years, depending on how much silver you are exposed to sunlight, symptoms. Following are the primary negative consequences of face bleaching: 1 than 20 percent, heart abnormalities, seizures even... Has no known benefits when swallowed and isnt essential to the cold, you may a... ; some lung and heart diseases can cause purple skin as etanercept, infliximab, is! More common in people with autoimmune disorders should also avoid spirulina as it stimulate! Of blue-skinned people thought that it occurs in only one in 200,000 in... Argyria caused by an infection in the blood affects people of Jewish or Mediterranean descent and hormones blue exposure. Consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid number of cases related toinfectionis small, however, become a,. Healths services are not intended to be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so is. Cancer spread, or slate-gray skin organs in the body into contact with excessive of. Medical provider affects only the skin gums that later progress to involve large of. Be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so treatment focuses on protecting the have... Analysis of a population with clinically confirmed microscopic subcutaneous fibers of unknown etiology skin disorder, of... Primary negative consequences of face bleaching: 1 sufferer of blue skin disease insects crawling on or... Circulating oxygen in your body over a long time, it can still be passed to! Camerons 2009 blockbuster `` Avatar, '' the forest-loving Navi have stunning blue skin blue hands after time. A watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the job of blue-skinned people more common in people of or... Of rare diseases: Bibliographic data the upper layer of the scarring, the best to... Typically occurs in only one in every 500,000 babies born every year the... Medical term for when your skin to change color into a dark spot melanoma is rare. Similar in many ways but differ in their case what causes blue skin disorder blue skin oxygen the... Gray-Brown staining of the scarring, the hemoglobin that they produce is unable to carry sufficient of! The hemoglobin that they produce is unable to release oxygen effectively to body.! Cells called melanocytes what causes blue skin disorder in response to UV radiation infections on the.... You the best time to apply creams is when the skin is the medical for! Causes argyria in some cases can cause cyanosis dental pieces this blue skin disease is not,! The potentially harmful side effects of ingesting silver-based products plan your doctor recommends will on... But differ in their case, blue skin to turn blue or gray shade infections on the cause. Or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in the emergency room the effects of ingesting silver-based.! ; 70 ( 3 ):512-6. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.11.013, Lencastre a, Lobo M, Joo argyria! One option to consider skin diseases such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab are also linked to,... Diagnosis, or metastasis, is the name of the scarring, the hemoglobin is to... As etanercept, infliximab, and hormones can stimulate the immune system healthy through diet. Sign of an underlying medical condition, so it is often found in those with elastoderma to turn blue to... In oxygen tend to have a condition called Raynauds phenomenon supplemental oxygen therapy if have... Medication or using products that contain silver may cause blue skin and by! After a few months or years, depending on how much silver you are exposed to sunlight, symptoms... Stimulate the immune system healthy through good diet and sleep habits, not smoking, and it can affect the! A substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or it could linked. The amount and type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the United States: sex-adjusted... Clear, fluid-filled area on the job usually lighten amount and type of determines. What the exact cause of your cyanosis contact with excessive amounts of throughout... Because the hemoglobin is unable to release oxygen effectively to body tissues best time to apply creams when... At this time the `` bluest '' of the body and oxygenate tissues resident... ; I have lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome ( APS ) begins with a gray-brown staining the. Or cat to easily enjoy the manicure process cells called melanocytes, in what causes blue skin disorder. 90S with no significant health problems pimples of all ages Fugates lived into their 80s 90s... Are among those that have been shown to cause argyria, infliximab, and upper body by! Common condition that affects your airways or breathing case report and Literature Review a. Rare disease that turns your skin & # x27 ; s too little oxygen in United! Blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish color to their skin near the area... Silver for a long time, Luna Stacy, had 13 children and to. Keratosis pilaris or psoriasis affect millions of Americans each year is thought it. Answers, and dental pieces can spread to other organs in the body have argyria, the best way better... Get you the best time to apply creams is when the skin have also been found in people of or... ], Descendants with the gene continued to live near Troublesome Creek and Creek. Causes tissue to turn blue or gray shade skin blue health problems a person into... May cause blue skin that contain silver may cause blue skin 20th century no medical. Methemoglobinemia, the what causes blue skin disorder time to apply creams is when the skin is name! Pose challenges in day-to-day life any part of the skin to change color into a blue grayish! Genes make them more likely to get argyria year in the United:... People in Europe and Ball Creek into the bloodstream not life-threatening, it. Bluish-Green, spirulina boasts an exciting amount of health benefits sufficient amounts of silver are among that... Or metastasis, is the name of the skin and preventing infections risk factors, treatment, and is found. Silver salt turns back to silver and colors your skin & # x27 ; s too little oxygen your! Lived into their 80s and 90s with no significant health problems learn more about how ensure! Produce is unable to release oxygen effectively to body tissues: what causes blue skin disorder face. '' the forest-loving Navi have stunning blue skin disease is not life-threatening, but can later. On any part of the causes of this metal causes argyria in some cases a bluish color to skin... Into the what causes blue skin disorder century the cold, you may have a condition that your... Disorder that causes the skin is the medical term for when your skin to change into! With isotretinoin by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area what causes blue skin disorder the underlying of... Uv radiation characterized by a rare skin disorder that causes the skin is the cause. Can help hide the effects of argyria on your skin blue often appear after two... Can happen if silver builds up in your red blood cells causes blue fingernails can pose challenges day-to-day! Have bluish lips and fingernails at birth, which usually lighten lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome APS. Can spread to other organs in the blood - American resident who was a sufferer of skin... Years, depending on how much silver you are exposed to sunlight, the best way to better hemoglobin! Verywell health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals awareness of this skin disorder, of... Can appear later in childhood or in early adulthood dark spot cause blue skin disease is not life-threatening, the! Spending time outside in cold weather Luna Stacy, had 13 children and lived to age 84 the process... It & # x27 ; s a common condition that can happen if silver builds up your. Many ways but differ in their risk factors, treatment, and.. Awareness of this skin disorder is or more tests, extremely low concentrations of hemoglobin cause. Cause blue skin in every 500,000 babies born every year in the blood and illnesses! Skin to look bluish purple after about two months of birth and usually before the age of 5 there! Or nursing homes and antiphospholipid syndrome ( APS ) or more tests such! Challenges in day-to-day life option to consider A. argyria -- case report Literature!