Pale, white, blue, or cold skin at or below an injury
Pale, white, blue, or cold skin at the site of an injury can occur when blood vessels have been pinched or injured by a direct injury. Examples of direct injuries include gunshot wounds, stab wounds, dislocations, sprains, strains, burns, fractures, crushing injuries, snakebites, medical procedures, or surgery.
An arm or leg that becomes pale, white, blue, or cold after the application of a brace, cast, or splint, may mean the device is too tight. The blood supply to the arm or leg may be decreased or cut off. If the device is too tight:
- Elevate your arm or leg above the level of your heart.
- Loosen the splint, if possible, but don't remove it.
Call and discuss your symptoms with your health professional immediately. Prompt treatment is important to restore blood flow and prevent severe complications.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: October 20, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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