Expert: David Olson, MD - 7/9/2009

Question
For the past few days, my 5 year old son has had a blue, rash-like circle around his lips, and his lips have been very pale. He has no fever and is behaving normally with lots of activity. Only illnesses lately was a vomiting/diarrhea bug that lasted for 5 days with him (3 weeks ago)--- three days after getting over that bug he had a sibling diagnosed with strep but he never demonstrated strep symptoms and got over his vomiting bug fine and has been perfectly healthy.

Because his sister was born with multiple congenital heart defects, he has had an echo and an EKG in the past that shows a completely normal and healthy heart. Are there any kind of infections that can cause that kind of symptom that I should be concerned about, or should I otherwise chalk it up to a "kid" thing? In all my years of parenting, this is a new one for me!

Answer
Hi, Rjthkids,

It is normal for many kids to have a blue color around the lips in certain situations, just like it is normal to have a slightly blue color to the hands and feet.  This is called acrocyanosis.  

If he seems fine, he is fine.  I know of no virus that specifically causes this sign.

Good luck, Dr. Olson