What Causes Pale Skin? How to Get Rid of the Paleness?
Have you ever had the feeling that your skin is losing color?
Like, it’s generally getting paler, and you can’t seem to do anything about it?
If you’ve always had pale skin, then you can blame it on the genetics. But if you’ve been noticing a sudden change in the light of your skin, you need to start looking for the causes.
The unusual changes in the skin color can indicate a variety of health problems. Possible causes vary from usual nutrient deficiencies to the severe change in blood flow.
Let’s see the common symptoms, causes and treatment options to get rid of the paleness.
Symptoms of Pale Skin
Below are some of the symptoms that should send you seeking medical help:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
Also Read: What Causes Red Moles on the Skin?
Causes of Pale Skin
There are many underlying causes for a pale skin.
Following are some of the most common causes why you notice sudden paleness in your skin color.
1. Deficiencies
- Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most familiar deficiency in the whole of the United States.
Some symptoms are difficulty maintaining body temperature and paleness due to anemia.
Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women are usually at a high risk of developing iron deficiency.
- G6PD Deficiency
Glucose-6 dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. This can lead to paleness, yellowed eyes and dark urine.
- Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Another common deficiency seen is that of vitamin b-12 in the elderly but can develop at any age.
B-12 helps in the production of red blood cells and DNA. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to weakness, a pins and needles sensation in the hands and feet, and pale or yellowed skin.
2. Infections
- Sepsis
A potentially malignant infection caused by bacteria is called sepsis. Infection spreading more and more in the blood can cause fatigue, pale skin and weakness.
- Influenza
Influenza is the most common infection leading to pale skin. It’s commonly known as the flu. As less oxygen flows through the body, skin can become paler by the minute.
3. Conditions and Diseases
- Cystic Fibrosis
CF is mostly diagnosed right after birth in, but in some cases it’s difficult. Some symptoms are difficulty breathing, a swollen abdomen, and pale skin linked to a lower than average blood oxygen level.
- Leukemia
Leukemia directly targets blood cells, hence pale skin becomes one of its first symptoms.
- Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a harmless condition that causes your skin to become patchier as compared to the uniform. There are no treatments for it.
- Anemia
Anemia causes fatigue, headaches, and pale skin.
4. Lifestyle choices
- Poor diet
If you’re living on junk food and not taking your vegetables and essential fruits in your diet, then that could be the reason behind your pale skin. It can cause the skin to pale over time.
- Heat exhaustion
Being exposed to the heat for a prolonged time and not taking enough rest and water can cause your skin to turn bright red or appear paler.
Treatment Options for Pale Skin
Things you can use to avoid pale might just be resting peacefully in your refrigerator. Eating iron-rich foods may help you get rid of a pale skin. It can also help you improve your skin tone.
Some remedies are stated below:
1. Milk
Milk is one of the most excellent and useful resources for pale skin. It’s rich in calcium, and it will stimulate the melanocytes, which produces the melanin pigment.
Applying milk directly on your skin can also help moisturize your skin which is important because dry skin tends to look paler.
2. Rice powder
Asian women have been using rice powder and rice water for toning and the whitening of the skin for ages now.
It also acts as a natural sunscreen. When consumed, it increases vitamin C in the body which helps protect the skin from the sun. This is one of the most effective home remedies to help brighten dull skin.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon has bleaching properties along with natural astringent. It works well, especially when the skin is oily.
Lemon juice is also rich in vitamin C. Hence it can help with the production of new skin and getting rid of dull skin. It also helps with pore tightening.
4. Mulberry Extract
The mulberry extract can regulate tyrosinase activity, and it also influences the melanin production of the skin. It’s also used in the production of a lot of cosmetic products.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloesin in the aloe vera plant can also regulate tyrosinase activity. It helps with the lightening of the skin. This can also give your skin a very smooth texture, because of its anti-oxidant properties.
Some other remedies that can be used for the treatment of pale skin are as followed:
- Following a balanced diet
- Taking medication
- Taking iron, vitamin B-12, or folate supplements
- Surgery, used only in severe cases of life-threatening blood loss or for treatment of arterial blockage
Read Next:
- Ringworm on Scalp (Tinea Capitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
- Red Spots on Face: Causes and Natural Treatments
- Hell’s Itch (Sunburn Itch): Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Sources:
“https://www.healthline.com/health/paleness#long–term-outlook”, Health line web site, last accessed on May 13, 2018
“https://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2015/home-remedies-to-brighten-pale-skin-062036.html”, boldsky web site, last accessed on May 13, 2018
“https://www.buoyhealth.com/symptoms-a-z/pale-skin/”, buoy health web site, last accessed on May 13, 2018
