Paleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.
Skin - pale or gray; Pallor
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). Paleness of the skin is separate from the loss of pigment from the skin. Paleness is related to blood flow in the skin rather than deposit of melanin in the skin.
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.
The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
Tests that may be done include: