The following article describes the causes, diagnosis and treatment for pale skin. It also explains the strategies that can be used to achieve the best possible prevention.
What is pale skin?
Paleness is always a complaint that may even indicate possible underlying diseases. Changes in skin color are most noticeable on the face and arms. In medicine, pale skin refers to a physical complaint in which a patient complains of a significant change in skin color. In pallor, it appears lighter and less vivid than usual. It should be noted that the concept of pallor in medicine is separated from the characteristic of a light skin type. Thus, pallor is always a complaint, which may even indicate possible underlying diseases. On the other hand, one speaks of a light skin type if this is also the regular skin color of the patient. Since pallor affects different people differently, however, there is no general definition. Also, it is hardly possible for a physician to detect pallor in a new patient by himself. Instead, changes are most recognized by the patient himself. The same applies to friends and acquaintances. Changes in skin color are most noticeable on the face and arms.
Causes
Pale skin can be attributed to a variety of causes. One of the most common causes is shock. In a shock situation, blood is shifted from the face to the internal organs. The body’s own mechanism is to increase the defense potential of the affected person. Paleness can also occur when suffering from severe blood loss. This is the case, for example, after an accident or in the case of a bleeding stomach ulcer. In the short term, pallor occurs when blood pressure suddenly drops. On the other hand, a person suffers from chronic pallor when he or she has hypotension (low blood pressure) or anemia (anemia). Other causes include smoking. The constriction of blood vessels leads to a deficiency of blood flow in the face and hands. In addition, there are numerous diseases that result in pale skin. These can be infections, organ damage or tumors.
Diseases with this symptom
- Coronary artery disease
- Circulatory disorders
- Leukemia
- Iron deficiency
- Hypothermia
- Poisoning
- Eating disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Anorexia
- Renal failure
- Alcohol intoxication
- Allergy
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Anemia
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Low blood pressure
- Anemia
- Circulatory problems
Diagnosis and course
If pale skin occurs for no apparent reason, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or dermatologist. At the beginning, the doctor asks in a detailed conversation, when the pallor becomes apparent. In addition, he collects important data on previous and existing diseases. In addition, the doctor should be informed if medication is being taken or drugs are being consumed. Complaints such as fatigue or loss of appetite should also be mentioned. In the further course, the doctor will ask further questions concerning dietary habits and leisure activities. This is accompanied by a physical examination, during which blood pressure is measured, heart function is examined by ECG and blood values are checked. If pale skin persists, additional tests are performed. These include an exercise ECG, ultrasound examination and bone marrow diagnostics. If pallor persists despite diagnostics and associated therapy, the condition is said to be chronic.
Complications
Pale skin is not in itself a pathologic condition, but can be part of a healthy person’s phenotype. However, pale skin can cause health problems that a person with darker skin would not get. Sunburn is one of them, because lighter skin tones have less melanin – this is not only the skin pigment, but at the same time its natural protection against UV radiation. Any sunburn is unpleasant, but at the same time it creates the basis for skin cancer.The risk does not depend on how often sunburn has occurred; theoretically, cell degeneration can happen with any sunburn. In the long term, the so-called melanoma can develop. Pale skin not only carries an increased risk of cancer as a result of sunburns, but it can also be a sign of disease – but it tends to be overlooked because many people have pale skin when they are not outside all day. A newly developed pallor may represent not being able to metabolize enough nutrients from food. Most often this involves iron, so there is talk of anemia. However, a change in skin tone to pale can also be a sign of thyroid problems. This is called mixed edema, because the skin is not only pale, but also structurally different. However, skin changes are often not recognized as symptoms and therefore remain unnoticed.
When should you go to the doctor?
Medically, pale skin has nothing to do with type-related light skin. When doctors talk about pale skin, they mean it as a symptom. If a physician sees a patient with pale skin for the first time, he or she often lacks the previous appearance to make a binding assessment. An exception would be a skin appearance described as chalky pale, as occurs in states of shock or high blood loss. Here relatives and friends can give helpful hints to the pale skin. The situation is different with the family doctor: He already knows his patient and can assess the current skin tone. In addition to shock and blood loss, hypothermia, hypotension, chronic low blood pressure and anemia also play important roles in pale skin. Known to this end is the pale skin of many smokers. Also considered as a cause of pale skin are heart disease and, in rare cases, thyroid problems. If you have had pale skin all your life and feel fine, you don’t need to see a doctor about it. The situation is different if the skin has only recently become pale, especially if there are other symptoms such as a lack of appetite and fatigue. The general practitioner is the ideal contact for pale skin. If necessary, he will refer to specialists such as the internist or cardiologist for further clarification.
Treatment and therapy
In treatment, the diagnosed cause plays an important role. If a source of bleeding (e.g., gastric ulcer) could be found, it must be treated immediately. If, on the other hand, pale skin is associated with malnutrition, a diet plan is established and nutritional supplements are prescribed. Treatment is more difficult if an underlying disease is present. In this case, pale skin can only be counteracted if the underlying disease is recognized and treated. This is more difficult if the disease is chronic. Hypotension and anemia are examples. Treatment of pallor also proves difficult should it be caused by leukemia (cancer). In case of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pallor is a natural consequence. If, on the other hand, pale skin can be traced back to a long-standing smoking habit, smoking must also be stopped in the first instance. With medication, on the other hand, it is only possible to eliminate pallor in the short term. These are drugs that have a blood pressure-increasing effect. Corresponding agents should only be used according to the instructions of the dermatologist or general practitioner. If one wishes to counteract pallor in the long term, the underlying cause must first be treated.
Outlook and prognosis
Pale skin may be quite normal for an individual, while it may be a symptom of disease in another. When pale skin occurs in healthy individuals, it has no disease value and therefore no prognosis. Nevertheless, in these cases sun protection is very important, otherwise sunburn may occur and possibly develop into skin cancer in old age. Darker skin types, on the other hand, are better protected due to their increased melanin content. If pale skin appears as a new phenomenon, however, it may well have a disease value. Often the pale skin is only an initial symptom and the affected patient will notice other signs in the near future that something is wrong. However, it may take a while before it becomes clear on its own that pale skin and other new symptoms have a connection.If treatment begins – for example, in the case of iron deficiency or anemia – it often takes quite a while for pale skin to return to normal. It also helps little in these cases to lie down in the sun more often. Of course, this will tan the skin over time, but in its pale state it is also at risk of sunburn. It is better to pay attention to good sun protection and healthy diet during this period, which will help to permanently eliminate the cause of pale skin.
Prevention
Pale skin can be prevented with several strategies. First, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet. In addition, undisturbed sleep plays an important role. In addition, the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs should be largely avoided. It is also important to exercise regularly. In most cases, it is already sufficient to go jogging or swimming. In doing so, the exercise and the oxygen-rich air take on a positive effect. In addition, it is advisable to have blood values checked at regular intervals. Likewise, an individual cancer screening should be considered.
What you can do yourself
If the symptom of pale skin is not based on a serious disease, numerous home remedies can provide relief. According to experience, pale skin is due to an iron deficiency. This can be remedied by affected persons taking sufficient iron. Commercially available iron supplements are rarely necessary, as a wide variety of foods contain iron. Millet, soy and oats are suitable for consumption. Rye, chickpeas and white beans also contain a considerable amount of iron. Medicinal plants can also be used for pale skin. Herbs such as nettles or dandelion can be used in pure form or as a tea or salad. Juices made from raspberries or currants are also natural sources of iron. For pale skin, cherry, grape and pomegranate juices are also recommended. Pale skin is also often caused by low blood pressure. Nevertheless, medication is rarely necessary. In order to stabilize blood pressure and reduce pallor, simple methods such as exercise, relaxation and sufficient fluid intake are helpful. Hydrotherapy applications according to Sebastian Kneipp are also worth mentioning. First and foremost, the cold arm bath should be mentioned. This application stimulates the blood pressure and refreshes. However, affected persons should perform this application only according to precise instructions.
