Neonatal acrocyanosis

Acrocyanosis is often seen in healthy newborns and refers to peripheral cyanosis around the mouth and the hands and feet, as shown in this picture. It is a benign condition caused by vasomotor changes resulting from the transition from fetal to extrauterine life. Acrocyanosis is differentiated from pathologic causes of peripheral cyanosis (eg, septic shock) by its clinical course. It occurs in otherwise healthy infants immediately after delivery and typically does not persist beyond 24 to 48 hours after birth.