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What Does It Mean When an Elderly Person's Hands Turn Purple?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cyanosis—a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin—occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood. For an elderly person, this discoloration in the hands, medically known as peripheral cyanosis, can range from a benign reaction to cold to a sign of a serious underlying condition, making it a critical symptom to understand.