Blue People

"Blue People" refer to individuals with a rare genetic condition called methemoglobinemia, which causes abnormal levels of hemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen—to produce a bluish tint to the skin and mucous membranes. This occurs when an enzyme that normally converts methemoglobin back to functional hemoglobin is deficient, leading to less oxygen delivery to tissues. While often inherited, it can also result from exposure to certain chemicals. The condition is usually harmless and manageable, but it can cause noticeable skin discoloration and symptoms related to reduced oxygenation.