Why Are Your Baby's Hands And Feet Turning Blue? Know All About Acrocyanosis

Have you noticed your baby’s hands or feet turning blue? This is the indication of a condition called acrocyanosis, which is quite common in newborn babies. While some parents may find it alarming, it generally resolves on its own. However, it is important to note that acrocyanosis is not the only underlying cause that may be responsible for the discoloration and hence it is advisable to seek expert advice. Reading this blog will help you learn all about acrocyanosis, its causes, symptoms, and management. 

What Is Acrocyanosis?

Acrocyanosis is often referred to as peripheral cyanosis and in order to understand the condition better, it is important to first understand what cyanosis means. To keep it simple, cyanosis is a condition characterized by bluish discolouration of skin in any part of the baby’s body especially in areas where the skin is thin, like the face, lips, and earlobes. This happens when there is a drop of oxygen in the baby’s blood, which can be due to a variety of different reasons including airway blockage, suffocation, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and even congenital heart or lung anomalies. 

Now, cyanosis can be broadly classified into two types - central cyanosis and acrocyanosis. The former refers to discolouration in the central areas of the body, such as the mouth, head, and torso, which is not normal in babies. The latter, i.e. acrocyanosis, is a harmless condition marked by discoloration of the hands and feet specifically. This is typically not a cause of concern unless and until you see signs of central cyanosis or if your child was born healthy, with no complications. 

What Causes Acrocyanosis?

Now that you are familiar with what acrocyanosis means, let us now try to understand why it happens. Based on the underlying cause, the condition is categorized into two types - Primary acrocyanosis and Secondary acrocyanosis. 

Primary Acrocyanosis

Primary acrocyanosis is a functional peripheral disease, which means that there is no damage to the blood vessels. It is often associated with changes in the circulation of blood or temporary constrictions that reduce the flow of blood to the baby’s hands and feet. This can be due to a drop in the temperature or an increase in the altitude. 

Secondary Acrocyanosis

Secondary acrocyanosis has a known cause, which may be an underlying medical condition or some medication. Common conditions that cause acrocyanosis include Down syndrome, hypoxemia, connective tissue disease, neoplasms, peripheral vascular disease, severe infections, sepsis, certain blood disorders, toxin exposure, and so on. 

When Is Acrocyanosis Normal In Babies?

If you notice your baby’s hands and feet turning blue in the initial 24 -48 hours following the birth, it is quite normal and usually linked to changes in the circulation of blood, which now diverts towards vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. As soon as the baby’s body adjusts to this new circulation pattern, the bluish tone fades and disappears. You may again notice the discolouration if the baby is feeling cold. 

When Is Acrocyanosis Not Normal In Babies?

Acrocyanosis doesn’t always call for the need for medical intervention. However, it is important to watch out for a few signs and symptoms that may suggest that it is being caused by a serious underlying ailment. It is important to see an expert if your baby has:

• Cold hands and feet

• Discolouration on other parts of the body as well

• Swelling and sweating in the hands and feet

• Discolouration on the face and around the mouth

What Increases Risks Of Acrocyanosis In Babies?

Although acrocyanosis is very common, there are certain factors that may increase a baby’s risk of developing it. These are:

• If the baby is born with a low birth weight

• If there is a significant drop in temperature 

• If the baby has an underlying condition that is affecting circulation in their body

• If you have a female child

Acrocyanosis Diagnosis 

If doctors suspect that your baby’s acrocyanosis means something serious, they will perform a detailed physical examination and thoroughly assess the medical history of the baby. Further tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of secondary acrocyanosis. 

Acrocyanosis Treatment 

Treatment for acrocyanosis varies based on the underlying cause. While it resolves on its own in some cases, in others there may be a need for extensive treatment. If it is due to a cold, you can manage it by keeping your baby warm using socks and mittens. Constriction in blood vessels can be managed using medication, which is to be taken only if prescribed by the doctor.

Want to know more about acrocyanosis in babies? Connect with our expert on Ask Doctor and get answers to all your questions.