Pallor

Pallor is a reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin in skin or mucous membrane, a pale color which can be caused by illness, emotional shock or stress, avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight, anemia or genetics. It is more evident on the face and palms. It can develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause.

Pallor is not usually clinically significant unless it is accompanied by a general pallor (pale lips, tongue, palms, mouth and other regions with mucous membranes). It is distinguished from similar symptoms such as hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigment).

Pale skin is also a very light skin tone most commonly associated with people of European descent, particularly people of Celtic and Scandinavian descent. In addition, people who avoid sun exposure and thus avoid sun tanning also tend to have paler complexions in comparison to their peers.

Possible causes

death, due to pallor mortis
migraine attack or headache
natural genetics
emotional response, due to fear, embarrassment, grief
anemia, due to blood loss, poor nutrition, or underlying disease
shock, a medical emergency caused by illness or injury
frostbite
cancer
leukemia
albinism
panic attack
heart disease
hypothyroidism
hypopituitarism
scurvy
tuberculosis
sleep deprivation
pheochromocytoma
squeamishness
visceral larval migrans
High doses or chronic use of amphetamines
Reaction to ethanol and/or other drugs such as cannabis

Translation of "Pallor"

Arabic: شحوب, Italian: Pallore, Malayalam: വിളര്‍ച്ച, Polish: Bladość, Portuguese: Palidez.