Pallor is a condition in which a persons skin and mucous membranes turn lighter than they usually are. It is a perceptible reduction in skin color and tone, and it is a nonspecific physical exam finding often associated with anemia. Pallor affects your skin and mucous membranes, which are the moist lining of the inside of your body, like the inside of your nose, your lungs, and your mouth. It can be seen all over the body or just in one area. Pallor is usually temporary and goes away once you treat or manage its cause. However, you may have long-term paleness if an underlying, undiagnosed condition causes your symptoms.
Pallor can be a symptom of a condition including but not limited to the following:
- Anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Diamond–Blackfan anemia
- Fanconi anemia
- Anorexia
- Arterial occlusion
- Chemical poisoning
- Cancer
Localized pallor is a term that refers to paleness on only one limb. For example, if you have localized pallor, you might only have paleness on your right arm after an injury. Localized pallor may be a sign of an underlying condition, so it’s important to visit a healthcare provider if you have this symptom.
The decrease in blood supply and oxygen in your skin causes pallor. Pallor can often be diagnosed by sight, but it can be hard to detect in people with dark complexions. If you have a darker complexion, your doctor may check your inner eyelids and mucous membranes for a loss of color. The following tests are used to evaluate causes of paleness:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Reticulocyte count
- Extremity arteriography
Treatment for pallor depends on the cause of the condition. Options can include eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, treating underlying medical conditions, and avoiding triggers that cause emotional distress.
