*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Blue Skin Or Lips Cyanosis

Cyanosis is where your skin or lips turn blue or grey. It can be a sign of a serious problem.

How to tell if you have blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

If you have cyanosis, you may notice a blue or grey colour on your:

lips
tongue
gums
skin (black or brown skin may turn grey - this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, lips, gums and inside the eyelids)
ears
under your nails

Your hands and feet are usually a normal temperature. They may be cold if you also have poor blood circulation, which can be a cause of cyanosis.

Call 999 if:

you or your child's lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, lips, gums and inside the eyelids

You or your child may also:

have difficulty breathing
have chest pain
be confused, drowsy or dizzy

Your child may also be limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do. Their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face.

These are signs of a serious medical problem.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

you or your child's fingers, toes, hands and feet are blue or grey - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

This may be a sign of poor blood circulation.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Causes of blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis) happens when there's not enough oxygen in your blood, or you have poor blood circulation.

It can be caused by a serious problem with the:

lungs, like asthma or pneumonia
airways, like choking or croup
heart, like heart failure or congenital heart disease

Other causes of cyanosis include:

Raynaud's, which affects your fingers and toes
beta blockers, medicines used to treat high blood pressure
a blood clot that stops the blood supply to a limb
being in cold air or water
wearing clothing or jewellery that's too tight

Treatment for blue or grey skin or lips (cyanosis)

Cyanosis is a symptom of many different conditions.

Treatment depends on the cause.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.