14 Month Old with Blue Hands and Feet

My daughter does the same thing every so often whe she's sick. I've also noticed that she gets really cuddly and sleepy in the shower with me no matter how she feels. I've asked the doctor and they said one of the best things to do is to gently massage the affected area to help increase the blood flow. That's been working for us.

Go to another doctor.. I don't care what that doctor said if it were me I would want a few heart tests ran just to keep my own mind from wandering.

Have the doctor check his ANA and observe him for Reynauds disease. Do any in your family have connective tissue disorders? Have the doctor examine him for petite mal seizures. and food sensitivities. DO NOT let any doctor dismiss this if the symptoms continue. It may be nothing at all and entirely normal for your baby...BUT it may well be that he needs to see a specialist. If symptoms do not go away, insist on seeing a neurologist. Are there any other symptoms that you haven't documented here?

My nephew had an episode similar to this. My sister said his feet were so bluish purple it almost looked cartoon. Like he had dipped them in paint. After MANY dr's and different opinions it turned out he had a severe dairy allergy. That may be something you want to have checked out as well.

Please get a 2nd opinion. When my son had RSV I had to go back 3 times before they correctly diagnosed him and treated him. If I had not done this he could have stopped breathing in the night and died. Something is going on with your boy, don't stop until you find out what!

Blessed Be you and your family.

J.... the girls are right... take him back to your doctor and tell him you are not comfortable with the 'do nothing' approach. Research some things online. My sister was a 'blue baby'. There are things you can read about, a number of possibilities and syndromes that could be part of what is going on. It could be you need to see a cardiologist... Or you need to take him directly in if it happens again so they can see what is going on and test him then... take pictures... whatever it takes to get their attention and further help. Some conditions do need procedures while others don't. Good luck... We'll be praying you find your answers. You know your child best. Go with your gut. If he needs more attention, go get it. Blessings,

Did his hands and feet turn blue with the second episode? Regardless, the syndrome the other poster named of poor circulation in the extremities is called raynaud's syndrome which happens in cold and is not associated with lethargy. This is not that (would not happen in the warm shower). I am assuming your son was over his illness in the second episode, this is likely not shunting, which occurs in extreme illness.
If your son is having repeated episodes of turning blue and becoming lethargic, the most worrisome thing it could be is a congenital heart defect. If this was my son, I would make an appointment with the nearest pediatric cardiologist to have a complete cardiac workup. I would tell the receptionist that your son is turning blue and becoming lethargic and ask for a sooner appointment. If she says no, ask her to talk with the physician. If you can't make your own referrals (like in an HMO), call your physician office in the AM, and tell them your son is having repeated cyanotic episodes (turning blue) associated with lethargy and don't hang up until they give you a referral. My best to you and your son, and I would recommend getting another pediatrician.

Mommy, MD

Hi J., I'm a pediatric nurse, and I don't want to scare you, but this sounds like it might be a seizure. Please have your son re-evaluated and referred to a neurologist. Don't let anyway turn you away until this has been evaluated correctly. It's the report of 'not focusing' combined with the lack of circulation that makes me think seizure. Most can be treated with medication, so don't worry, but do get the right diagnosis. Good luck and keep us posted.

J.,
I strongly suggest that you take your son in immediately and have them run every test possible. This is not normal. Especially if your son is spacing out during these "spells", I would really push the drs. I dont want to scare you, but he may be having a seizure (that can cause extremities to turn blue and for him to be out of it), or as someone mentioned cardio problems. Take your little guy in asap, and dont take "NO" or "I Dont Know" for an answer from the drs!! FYI if you take him in the Emergency room or Immediate Care they can run the tests right away instead of making appointments.
Best of luck!!!!!!!

I remember having a cousin when I was little, that had blue extemities and lips. It was because she had a heart condition. Did the doctor check for that?

If you have up'd his water intake and are sure he couldn't be that cold, I would get a second opionion. Start marking when this happens as well as the temperature, what he ate/drank that day and what he has been doing. Something to try is to lay him down when this happens and see if it provides instant relief. Low iron or low blood flow could have this effect too.
It drives me crazy when I feel "blown off" by the doctors! I used to believe they were the pro's but after it took 2 years to get a diagnosis for my daughter, I now know that if a doc doesn't take a complaint seriously then I go somewhere else.

My daughter developed developed purple toes when she was 10; she is now 12. Wearing socks helped a little but her toes were always discolored. They were cold to touch but she couldn't feel them. She has an autoimmune vasulitis; similar to Reynaud's but with the potential to become more systemic. The road to diagnosis was long. Initially, we saw her pediatrician who ran thyroid tests as well as ANA, Lupus panel, etc..Her ANA and thyroid tests were a little elevated so she was sent to an endocrinologist. By that time the tests had stablized, although they have fluctuated over the last couple years. Next we saw a cardiologist who did an echocardiogram to evaluate her heart function which was fine. The next choice was whether to see a vascular surgeon, because of the circulation issues, or a rheumatologist. That was the direction we went and Meghan is now followed at the rheumatology clinic at Children's hospital in Seattle. She is now on a beta blocker and baby aspirin to improve the circulation. She also is going through their adolescent biofeedback program to decrease stress and increase the temperature in her extremities (I was a huge skeptic, but it has amazing to watch what she is able to accomplish). She also sees an accupuncturist who also works on increasing the citculation to her feet and hands.
Her hands are mildly affented as well. Whether they were always that way, or she progressed during the year-long work-up is hard to know. We also get yearly echocardiograms to assess her heart, every six month pulmonary function tests to assess her lungs, and yearly labs to assess her liver and kidney function. Of course, we are still watching her ANA and thyroid tests as well.
There has been improvement though; her toes are no longer the color of grapes!
Good luck with your little one. You ALWAYS have the right to a second opinion.

PLEASE GO SEE A CARDIOLOGIST!!! My daughter had a major heart defect and required open heart surgery QUICKLY. The odd part was that she showed no symptoms and we only found out about the defect after taking her to a cardiologist and getting EKG and ECG. She has Down's and I took her to the cardiologist just to get her heart checked because it is a common problem for children with Down's. All of the doctors that had listened to her heart had assured me that there would be no problem. Even the cardiologist after seeing the defect could not detect it by listening or other external observations. I had to take her to Children's Hospital that day to get things rolling for surgery less than a month later. The surgeons told me later that if we hadn't gotten the surgery she may not have lasted a year.

Dear J.-
I am sorry that you are going through this. I agree with others to get a second opinion. I would also try to find a good chiropractor in your area. Not sure that this will solve anything. I know when the body is in alignment, it has the ability to function at maximum capacity. I completely trust my chiropractor and he has helped me assess situations with my daughter and has always helped me to feel better about anything that I have brought to him. He gives great advice and would recommend a doctor if necessary. His office is in Tacoma but I believe one of his chiropractic partners lives in your area. If you would like to contact me, I would be happy to help you get more information.
Whatever you decide I wish you the best on your journey. God Bless.

First of all make sure he is not wearing something blue that is brand new. I went through this only to find out my brand new blue jeans were the culprit. I was always cold and I put my hands between my legs to keep them warm. I ended up with blue hands. Just a thought, but if you saw them change in front of you then there is no question. Look up on the computer and then call around and find an expert. Someone knows about this, just keep inquiring. Good Luck.

I have RAYNAUDS, it is a circulatory disease. My hands and feet turn blue at times. Turning blue is BAD. Please take your child to a NEW DOCTOR!
"Raynaud's syndrome is a condition in which the small arteries of the fingers of the toes contract or spasm, causing the skin to turn pale (blanching) or a patchy deep shade ranging from red to blue. When Raynaud's occurs alone, without any accompanying autoimmune condition, it is called primary Raynaud's or Raynaud's disease. When Raynaud's symptoms have a specific cause or occur in conjunction with another medical disorder, the condition is called Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's. Raynaud's phenomenon, like Raynaud's disease, primarily affects the hands and feet. However, Raynaud's phenomenon is a more serious disorder that may cause blood vessel scarring and long-term consequences. Raynaud's symptoms may also occur as an occupational injury (occupational Raynaud's) in people who use vibrating tools or who perform repetitive motion activities. These three types of Raynaud's are collectively referred to as Raynaud's syndrome."

This doesn't sound right you need to take your child for another opion. If you have made sure he's hydrated and then it happened again you need a better explantion. I would really follow thru on this because this isn't a normal complaint.

My daughters hands would turn blue too when she was around 2. I totally forgot about it until I read your message. Her doctor said it was nothing to worry about, but it did not happen too often. If it keeps happening I would take him in. He could have a circulation problem.

D.

You need to bring him in to the doctor and if possible have him see a neurologist. This sounds quite serious.

Two words: Second Opinion. Please keep us posted, and good luck!

I think everyone else is right, get a second opinion. Not to scare you, but I have experienced where blue hands and feet can be a sign of diabetes as well. Maybe a blood sugar test woudn't hurt if another Dr. thinks that is a possiblity.

Please please please bring your son to another doctor for a second opinion. Consider taking him to a heart specialist: if it is a circulation problem, the heart is where it starts. Blue hands & feet & lethargy are to be taken seriously, as you did.

Get a second opinion!!!

I agree that this is not "normal," because of he seems to lack focus when it happens. I say take him back to the same doctor. You have more information about your son's condition now. Your doctor took the first step. What he said about dehydration and being more sensitive cold is a possibility. You've probably ruled that out by continuing to observe.

When I was taking a medication my hands also turned blue when I was outside in the winter in the cold. I think that if I'd taken off my shoes my feet would also appear blue. There is a name for that condition but I can't remember it. Some people do react to cold in that way and they are said to have a--------syndrome. I had this syndrome because of the medication I was taking. It's not a serious condition in itself. But losing focus may be serious. (Once I quit taking the medication my hands stopped turning cold and blue.)

By seeing the same doctor you are less apt to get a "brush off." Doctors do make their opinion based on the information that you give them at the time. I've had a couple of conditions that at first the doctor said they didn't know what it was or how to treat it. As medical science gained more information and I observed and reported new information they were able to make a diagnosis. My gp has always referred me to a specialist if after a thorough physical exam he still couldn't make a clear diagnois. Finding the difficulty can be time consuming. It's hardly ever, if at all, life threatening. When a person keeps switching doctors they are prolonging the possibility of a diagnosis.

That's enough on my soap box regarding doctors. In short take him back to the same doctor and describe for him your baby's symptoms. At this appointment he may give some tests. If he doesn't suggest tests, you ask about them. Remember that he only sees you for 15 minutes. He's been seeing patients for hours and will appreciate questions and comments made by you. You may know your son's condition better than he does at this point.

Thank you Keni. It was Reynaud's that I had. I'm glad that you gave all the info in your post.

I agree with Mandy M, Please do not wait to call a heart specialist, My brother had a heart condition from childhood that was never detected until age of 44, he was going in for a simple surgery on his hand before the surgery they tested him with die and found problems with his heart, his heart was so enlarged due to the years of stress, he did go through the surgery to replace the valve, but his heart would still continue to work hard due to its size. Please please do not wait, lathargy is not a sign of getting to cold. better to be safe than sorry
T.

Definitely not normal. Get another opinion. Maybe find some one who will check his heart. Some heart conditions are associated with blood oxygenation problems. Be persistant, don't let the doctors blow you off. Also, when these episode are occuring check to see if he is bluish on his chest and gums. These are two places that indicate an emergency type situation with blood oxygenation. I have a few other pieces of information i could share with regards to this subject, send me a personal message if you are interested.

I my self have not had experience with this happening to my child but a friend of mine works in a daycare and recently had a little girl whose fingers started turning blue, they called 911 and found out that she had had a mild ceasure (and she's never had this happen before according to her mom) This sounds like what might be happening to your son since you said also he wouldnt focus for a few minutes...I would definantly go get a second opinion! Especially since you've seen it happening more than once. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Hi J.,

I don't have any experience with this, but it does NOT seem normal, and seems like he might be having poor circulation.

Were the blue areas cold, also? That would tell you that he's not getting circulation to those areas. Just because his oxygen is 100%, I don't think it necessarily means he's getting circulation to all areas. What does that doctor mean 'prone to cold extremities'?!?

I agree w/Dana. Take him somewhere else for another opinion.

I hope he's okay and you figure this out soon.

K. W

J.,
That's so scary! The blue hands and feet are one thing, but the fact that he becomes lethargic or "absent" for a few minutes at the same time makes you really wonder what's going on?! I would definately get a second opinion and be sure to emphasize the fact that he's got more than just blue hands and feet! You are the best advocate for your child, since you were there and witnessed it first hand. Pediatricians can only take your word for it, unless it happens while you're in their office. I would start with the cardiologist. Call around to different pediatric cardiologist's offices and just ask if they think it's a cardiology problem, or if they would recommend a neurologist, and make the appointment right away. It could be nothing, but I wouldn't take any chances...it definately doesn't sound normal! Good luck with your search and please let us know how it all turns out!

Sounds like poor circulation. Is he getting enough exercise? Check his clothes that they are not too tight, especially around the arms/arm pit where it could pinch some veins that would cut off circulation.

My daughter just had that last week and i took her in and the doctor found that she had ROTAVIRUS. She its doing good he said that her color on her hands and feet was because she was fighting the virus. There's nothing to treat it just to keep them hydrated, and not to give her any dairy products or anything that has been raw (meaning Meats) If u can take him to get him tested for the virus. I hope he gets better :)

I googled "blue hands and feet in children" and I found this question and answer.
Google the same and you will find a lot of information that will answer more of your questions.
I feel as a mom that if we are concerned, then BE CONCERNED and dont EVER feel bad about it!

Hope this helps...

Advertisement

You are here: Experts > Kids > Health for Kids > Pediatrics > infant of 5 mos. blue feet and hands

Topic: Pediatrics

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expert: Lars Erickson, MD MPH
Date: 6/15/2004
Subject: infant of 5 mos. blue feet and hands

Question
My grandson has had episodes where his feet and hands become blue and cold to the touch. He is in daycare and has had a bronchial cough for several weeks. His doctor seems unconcerned. I'd like to know a little about any disease process which could cause this symptom.
Thank you

Get the answer below
Sponsored Links
Infant
Questions About Infants? Find Parenting Info, Articles & More.
RevolutionHealth.com

Causes Of Blue Hands
What Is Blue Hands? Get Free Info On Its Causes And Symptoms Here!
Blurtit.com

Top 5 Brown Spot Cures
Reviews Of Top Creams To Get Rid Of Brown Spots. Find Out What Works!
LighterSkin.org/Brown-Spot-Cures

Answer
Blueness of the skin (cyanosis) can be a sign of low oxygen in the blood, which in turn can be a sign of problems with breathing, the heart or the blood. On the other hand, it is, in fact, very common for normal children (especially young children) to have periods during which their hands, feet and the area around their mouth, eyes and the bridge of their nose turns dusky blue. While older children become blue in the hands and lips when they are cold or ill, often younger children may go blue in these areas when they are quite warm and for no apparent reason. This is thought to be caused by immaturity of the part of their nervous system that controls temperature in babies, but can also occur in older children as well. The medical term is "vasomotor instability", which is a rather frightening name for a normal and harmless finding. This sort of blueness is also common during the rising phase of a fever. During these episodes the oxygen level in the blood is normal, and there should be no signs of difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting. In addition, the child should not be blue over the entire body - the color change is generally limited to the extremities and around the mid-face.

If there is any question whether a child with cyanosis is having any sort of medical problem, the usual steps are to have a careful medical examination with measurement of the oxygen level during an episode. If the exam and oxygen level are normal, there is rarely cause for concern.

I hope this is helpful.

Hi J.,
I work with a woman who has Raynaud's Disease, which is a blood circulation disorder.
When she is cold or stressed her hands and feet lose blood circulation and turn white or blue. It goes away when she warms her body up. But the lethargy and diarrhea with the blue hands and feet is different than what she experiences.
Here is a link that might be helpful to you: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00433.html

I definitely agree with the other moms who have posted. Please get to a specialist. Almost every website that I looked at listed blue hands and feet, and lethargy to be serious and should be looked at by a doctor immediately.

I know you're located in Washington, but when my son was very sick he was transported to Doernbecher Children's Hospital (part of OHSU) in Portland, OR. My son had the BEST care, and the entire staff is amazing. If you are looking for a referral, I would suggest them (bit of a trip though).
Good luck to you, and I hope you find answers soon.

M.

She needs to go to a Naturopath. Once my toe turned black. It totally stumped the MDs so I went to Dr. Jodi Berg in Everett who is certified in 5 different naturopathic disciplines. My toe turned normal again within a couple of hours of treatment. It had actually been black for 3 days without change until I went to her. She has worked and been a Godsend for my daughter, who would be autistic if I had gone to a standard doctor.

Hi J.,

Children who do this is called shunting. Shunting is when the body takes all the blood toward the center body and away form the limbs in order to try and stay warm. It is possible, in fact probable that your son had a fever, and was shunting.

Good luck with discovering the cause. I would look for this to happen again with a high fever. This would be a good time to show his care provider his symptoms.

Good luck

I'm with everyone else. This is serious. He is clearly having an episode of some kind. Have you thought about taking him to a neurologist? Could he be having a seizure?? Seizures are not always detectable and do not always present classic symptoms.
I'm sorry you are having to have these kinds of worries but I'm positive that you'll find out what it is and get it handled!!

Hi, this sounds concerning. I recommend another doctor visit or a 2nd opinion. Just to make sure :) -C.

I would take him to another dr maybe heart specialist or neurologist. This is not normal. He could be having seizures or possible heart trouble.

goodness, it almost sounds like a heart problem. My unger brother had heart complications. his hands and feet were almost alway blue them his lips and face would start turning blue. He ended up with surgery. He is now 35 years old and loving life.

Keep checking into it. Maybe if you can't get better answers from your dr. try a different one. Also, Have you checked webmd?

Good luck he will be our prayers.