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.
Pallor can be a symptom of a condition including but not limited to the following: Anemia. Circulatory system complications like artery blockages. Respiratory illness.
Anemia refers to a group of conditions that prevent the blood from having enough healthy red cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Without enough hemoglobin and oxygen, the skin can turn pale. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type, and it involves a person not having enough iron.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Shock, stress, and anxiety
You may notice that when you suddenly get shocked or frightened, your body goes pale, and you may even faint suddenly. The emotional distress from a shocking event or series of events can cause the blood to suddenly drain from an area of your body or can lead to a drop in blood sugar.
Visible symptoms of leukemia can include: Pale skin due to low blood cell counts (aplastic anemia)
Medications: Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, antipsychotics, certain antibiotics, and antihypertensive medications, can cause pale skin as a side effect.
A cancer that affects your hormone levels could cause fatigue. Certain cancers such as breast and prostate cancer can change the levels of hormones in your body. This can cause a number of side effects including fatigue. People with advanced cancer are more likely to have fatigue than those with earlier stage cancer.
Petechiae, or what many people know as “leukemia spots,” are reddish, pinpoint-sized dots that can develop underneath the skin of someone who has leukemia—a cancer that occurs in blood-forming structures such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
Warning signs of anemia you shouldn't ignore
Persistent fatigue. Weakness. Dizziness. Shortness of breath.
Some people suffering from iron deficiency experience restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move their legs. It can also cause sharp pain, numbness and tingling in the legs.
Paleness can be caused by: Anemia (blood loss, poor nutrition, or underlying disease) Problems with the circulatory system. Shock.
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.
Evans syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack red blood cells (RBC), which deliver oxygen to body tissues, platelets (which help blood clot), and/or neutrophils (a type of white blood cell).
Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.