Peripheral Cyanosis

Peripheral Cyanosis is defined as a bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membrane, resulting from an increased amount of reduced haemoglobin or haemoglobin derivatives. It is most marked in the lips, nail beds, ears and malar eminences. There are two different types such as central cyanosis and peripheral cyanosis. Central cyanosis is caused due to decreased arterial oxygen saturation or the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin derivative. Peripheral cyanosis is due to slowing of blood flow to an area, resulting in greater extraction of oxygen from normally saturated arterial blood.This results from vasoconstriction or diminished peripheral blood flow.