Paleness may be the result of decreased blood supply to the skin. It can also be due to decreased number of red blood cells (anemia). Paleness of the skin is not the same as loss of pigment from the skin. Paleness is related to blood flow in the skin rather than deposit of melanin in the skin.
Pale skin
A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pale skin and yellowing of the skin, called jaundice. These changes in skin color can develop when a person's body is unable to produce enough RBCs. Without enough RBCs, the skin may look pale.
Pallor can be a symptom of a condition including but not limited to the following: Anemia. Circulatory system complications like artery blockages. Respiratory illness.
Overview. The term albinism usually refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA). OCA is a group of disorders passed down in families where the body makes little or none of a substance called melanin. The type and amount of melanin in your body determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes.
Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear (translucent).
Paleness may be the result of decreased blood supply to the skin. It can also be due to decreased number of red blood cells (anemia). Paleness of the skin is not the same as loss of pigment from the skin. Paleness is related to blood flow in the skin rather than deposit of melanin in the skin.
Fatigue is a common clinical complaint. When associated with pale skin, it suggests that anemia, or low red blood cells, may be the specific cause of the fatigue. Anemia with fatigue can be from acute or chronic blood loss, infection, cancer, or medications. Reduced blood flow from heart failure can also cause anemia.
Eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. Taking iron, vitamin B12, or folate supplements, or consuming folate-rich foods. Wearing loose clothing and staying hydrated. Consuming glucose tablets or fast-acting carbohydrates if the patient has low blood sugar.
Paleness can also be caused by environmental and dietary factors, such as cold temperatures, frostbite, dehydration, scurvy, or lack of sun exposure. Various diseases, including anemia, and certain medications or illicit drugs can also cause ongoing paleness.
Vitamin C is essential for an even skin tone and a glowing complexion. The daily requirement of vitamin C is 90 mg in men and 75mg in women in normal, healthy conditions. Citrus fruits such as lemons, tangerine, grapefruit, etc. Tomatoes, green and red peppers, green vegetables like broccoli, etc.
Pale skin demands a proper diet filled with fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals like zinc and iron. Include essential fatty acids [3] like omega-3 and omega-6 found in oily fish such as tuna and salmon. You can also obtain essential fatty acids from nuts and seeds.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to decreased oxygen delivery to the entire body and may include: Being pale or having yellow "sallow" skin. Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy.
Waking up tired usually stems from physical factors, like insufficient sleep, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, or sometimes even poor sleep quality. This can leave you feeling groggy but typically able to recover as the day progresses.
Unlike natural paleness, pale skin is usually a result of a health condition, such as anemia, low blood pressure, or frostbite. Some causes of pale skin are not serious, while others require immediate medical attention. If you have pale skin and other concerning symptoms, see your doctor right away for a diagnosis.
Emotional reactions: Things such as fright, fear and other intense emotions might manifest physically as pallor, making someone look “pale as a ghost.” This pallor can be seen in some people over the longer term who have more complex emotional and mental health issues as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your body's cells produce melanin, which gives your skin (and hair and eyes) its color. Sometimes, these melanin-containing cells get damaged and begin producing too much or too little melanin. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. If your body doesn't make enough melanin, your skin gets lighter.
Iron deficiency may cause you to appear pale, especially on your face, lips and inner eyelids. This is because the hemoglobin in our red blood cells is, well, red. If you don't have enough hemoglobin (because of low iron), this can affect the color in your face.
Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.