Paleness

Skin layers

The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

Also known as: Skin - pale or gray and Pallor

Definition

Paleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.

Considerations

Unless pale skin is accompanied by pale lips, tongue, palms of the hands, inside of the mouth, and lining of the eyes, it is probably not a serious condition, and does not require treatment.

General paleness affects the entire body, and is most easily seen on the face, lining of the eyes, inner mouth, and nails. Local paleness usually affects a single limb.

How easily paleness is diagnosed varies with skin color, and the thickness and amount of blood vessels in the tissue under the skin. Sometimes it is only a subtle lightening of skin color. Paleness may be very difficult to detect in a dark-skinned person -- sometimes it is apparent only in the eye and mouth lining.

Paleness may be the result of decreased blood supply to the skin (cold, fainting, shock, hypoglycemia) or decreased number of red blood cells (anemia).

Common Causes

  • Normal fair complexion
  • Lack of exposure to the sun (it is healthier to be pale than tanned)
  • Anemia (blood loss, poor nutrition, or underlying disease)
  • Shock
  • Frostbite
  • Chronic diseases including infection and cancer

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor or emergency number if a person suddenly develops generalized paleness. Emergency action may be needed to maintain proper blood circulation.

Also call your doctor if paleness is accompanied by shortness of breath, blood in the stool, or other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

  • Did the paleness develop suddenly?
  • Did it happen after reminders of a traumatic event?
  • Are you pale all over or only in one part of the body? If so, where?
  • What other symptoms do you have? For example, do you have pain, shortness of breath, blood in the stool, or are you vomiting blood?
  • Do you have a pale arm, hand, leg or foot, and cannot feel a pulse in the area?

Tests that may be done include:

See also:

  • Special Topic

    Mucosa

    Nasal mucosa

    Mucosa is moist tissue that lines certain parts of the inside of your body, including your nose, mouth, lungs, and the urinary and digestive tracts. Glands in the mucosa release a thick fluid called mucus.

  • Disease

    Anemia

    Red blood cells, sickle cell

    Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. See also:

  • Injury

    Shock

    Shock

    Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can damage multiple organs. Shock requires immediate medical treatment and can get worse very rapidly.

  • Disease

    Hypoglycemia

    Food and insulin release

    Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. Blood sugars at this level can harm you.

  • Symptoms

    Fainting

    Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is brief (lasting less than a couple of minutes) and is followed by rapid and complete recovery. You may feel light-headed or before fainting. A longer, deeper state of is often called a coma.

  • Special Topic

    Subcutaneous

    Skin layers and needles

    The term “cutaneous” refers to the skin. Subcutaneous means beneath or under all the layers of the skin. For example, a subcutaneous is under the skin.

Review date:
April 13, 2009
Reviewed by:
Jonathan Kantor, M.D., North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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