Top 7 Causes for Bluish Skin in Babies

The bluish appearance of the skin in babies usually occurs early in life. Some infants are borne with bluish skin. Identifying the underlying cause of the bluish skin can help to determine the most appropriate treatment. Here are the top 7 causes of bluish skin in babies.

7.Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare congenital defect affecting the heart. It is a common cause of blue baby syndrome. It involves a combination of 4 heart defects due to which the blood flow to the lungs and heart is reduced. [1]

6.Methemoglobinemia

Methemoglobinemia can occur in infants due to nitrate poisoning. It is common in newborn babies who are fed homemade baby food made with spinach and beets or well water. The presence of nitrates in these foods is believed to contribute to the risk of developing Methemoglobinemia in such cases. [2]

5.Congenital defects

Congenital defects such as Down syndrome can affect the process of oxygenation of the blood and impair heart functions. As a result, the supply of oxygen to other organs and tissues is hampered thus causing bluish skin. [3]

4.Type 2 diabetes

Poor maternal health due to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of congenital disorders in the baby thus causing bluish skin. It may also occur due to the improper metabolism of carbohydrates in the baby. [4]

3.Lung disorders

The baby’s skin may look bluish when the lungs are not receiving enough oxygen. The lack of an adequate supply of oxygen causes breathlessness and prevents the formation of red blood cells due to which the skin appears bluish. [5]

2.Sluggish circulation

The baby’s skin may look bluish if the blood in the capillaries beneath the skin is moving sluggishly. As the veins under the skin carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, the bluish appearance becomes easily noticeable in such cases. [6]

1.Staying at higher altitudes

The bluish appearance of the skin may occur in babies residing at higher altitudes. It occurs due to the lower concentration of oxygen in the air due to which the oxygen supply to the body is reduced. [7]

Conclusion

The treatment of the bluish skin in babies depends on the underlying cause responsible for it. Undergoing tests to assess the health and functions of the heart and lungs can help to find the possible causes of bluish skin.