Cyanosis is the bluish or purplish discolouration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation. Before the era of rapid blood gas analysis, clinicians often assessed hypoxemia on clinical grounds alone, primarily by looking for cyanosis in. Peripheral Cyanosis (Blue Hands and Feet) Peripheral cyanosis is when there is a bluish discoloration to your hands or feet. Sometimes cold temperatures can cause blood vessel narrowing and lead to temporarily blue-tinged skin. Cyanosis is a pathologic condition that is characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane1 . The word cyanosis is a.Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 May;97(5):1782-4. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.08.027 . Unexpected cause of cyanosis and dyspnea in an adult: direct communication.