Why do people turn green when they are seasick?

[Otter]

We went out diving the keys just before Noel grew up to be a Hurricane. Half the boat got seasick and tossed. Prior to tossing one of the divers was an olive colored green. What is happening physiologically that makes them turn green?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Otter,

One of the frequent components of sea sickness is pallor, especially of the face. This paling of the skin can give an individual a slightly "greenish cast."

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Otter]

I have seen pale before....almost dead white, this was olive green. Due to pigmentation, do some people turn green with a lack of oxygenated blood while others white? To be complete, he was Caucasian.

 

[The Chairman]

I always thought that this was colloquial in nature and not a truly observable phenomenon.

 

[drbill]

Are you sure he was Caucasian? He may have been Xanadusian... but then their skin pigment is green under normal conditions. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[DennisS]

I've seen a lot of sea sick people, I've never seen green. I've seen lots of real pale white. I've heard the term "green around the gills" to describe being sea sick, this could explain it's origin.

 

[do it easy]

Maybe he was green with envy for all the people who weren't seasick?

 

[TSandM]

Skin pigmentation varies among individuals. Those with an "olive" complexion will look quite green when there is little or no blood flow to the skin. Those with a fairer complexion will look a nasty tan, like the color of beige plastic keyboards and other computer goods.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Those with a fairer complexion will look a nasty tan, like the color of beige plastic keyboards and other computer goods.

I literally turn white as a sheet if I'm seasick. Apparently I look like "the walking dead".

 

[Dectek]

I think it is all that Olive oil they are puring in their ears....right harley