What makes you look paler

Treatment for vasovagal syncope varies depending on the severity. Some people may seldom experience an episode, whereas others may be prone to fainting spells. Immediate treatment typically involves lying down with your feet elevated to help restore blood flow to the brain. To prevent vasovagal syncope:. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar. The symptoms of low blood sugar vary from person to person.

They can be mild to moderate or severe, and they typically come on suddenly. Other than paleness, symptoms can include:. The first-line treatment for hypoglycemia is the rule, which involves eating at least 15 grams of carbohydrates, waiting 15 minutes, and checking your blood sugar again. The 15 grams of carbohydrates can come in the form of glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice or soda, a tablespoon of sugar or honey, or two tablespoons of raisins. Aside from the face, paleness may be seen inside the eyelids, on the palms of your hands, on fingernails, on your tongue, and inside your mouth.

Anemia is a condition that develops when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen where it needs to go. There are many causes of anemia:. Aside from pale skin, the symptoms of anemia can include:. The treatment for anemia depends on the cause. If a lack of nutrients is to blame, your doctor will treat the deficiency through oral or intravenous infusion of the missing nutrient. In some serious cases, a blood transfusion may be needed to restore healthy red blood cells in the body.

In the event that internal bleeding is the cause, surgery may be required to repair the injury that is causing the bleeding. If you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor.

The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated and the better the prognosis. Bloodstream infection can be caused by a virus, bacterium, or fungus in the bloodstream. Symptoms of a bloodstream infection can include:. If a person with a bloodstream infection requires resuscitation, that should always be done first.

Antibiotic medication will be given, even before the cause is determined, since many bloodstream infections are caused by bacteria. It occurs because the tissues underneath the skin and the top layer of the skin become frozen. It is most commonly found in the feet, hands, ears, and nose. The symptoms of frostbite will vary depending on how severe it is. In the early stages, symptoms will include paleness, throbbing and aching in the affected area, and a pins and needles sensation.

If the tissue damage is more severe, the area will become hard and frozen. Once the affected area has thawed, the skin will become blistered and red. The most severe form of frostbite will cause the skin to turn white, blue, or blotchy.

Damage could extend to the bone in this case, and blisters full of blood will become black and scabbed. To treat frostbite, the affected area will first be warmed in a bath of water mixed with an antiseptic solution at 38 degrees Celsius. If blisters form, they will likely be drained of any fluid and left alone to heal. The tissue that is affected may also be treated with topical aloe vera ointment.

It will then be covered with a bandage. Once the extremity is bandaged, it will likely be put into a splint and elevated. Shock occurs when the tissues in your body are deprived of oxygen, blood, and nutrients. When this happens, the body reacts quickly to keep itself alive. A person can experience several types of shock. In some cases, fatigue — especially chronic fatigue — is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as anemia.

Breathing disorders make it difficult for a person to get enough oxygen, and this can result in paleness. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are two examples of these conditions. Acute breathing issues, such as those caused by an asthma attack or anaphylactic shock , can also deplete blood oxygen levels.

In addition, some people develop a blue tinge to their skin called cyanosis. Breathing difficulties that are severe enough to cause paleness indicate that a person is not getting enough oxygen.

It is important for people taking oxygen therapy to use it as their doctor has prescribed. Some rare genetic disorders affect red blood cells — or hemoglobin in particular — and cause chronic paleness.

Usually, a person will be pale for their whole life. One such condition is glucosephosphate dehydrogenase deficiency G6PD. This disorder almost always develops in males, and it causes red blood cells to break down prematurely, leading to hemolytic anemia. A person may be very pale, with yellowing around the eyes. Many people with G6PD have specific triggers, including eating fava beans. Removing the trigger often treats the condition. Certain cancers can cause paleness.

When paleness is the only symptom that a person has, an urgent trip to the doctor is usually not necessary. If the pallor does not go away or it becomes worse, see a doctor within a few days.

A person with any skin tone can grow pale when they have too little hemoglobin or oxygen in their body. Paleness can sometimes be a symptom of a severe health issue.

However, almost all causes of pallor are fully treatable, especially with prompt care. If your skin is dull and dry, your makeup can't go on smoothly. Apply a sunscreen before going outside. This is no time to work on your tan, and your skin will thank you for the protection. Choose a lightweight foundation that is one or two shades lighter than your customary shade. Apply a light layer to your face with a makeup brush. Use concealer on any dark circles or spots. Opt for a concealer that is one shade lighter than the foundation.

Pat it on problem areas using your fingertip. Select a sheer lipstick shade in a color that is just slightly darker than the natural color of your lips. For a night out, opt for a deep berry or red shade that makes your skin color appear pale by contrast. Apply a light-toned eye shadow. Paleness, also known as pale complexion or pallor, is an unusual lightness of skin color compared with your normal complexion.

Paleness may be caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen or by a decreased number of red blood cells. It can occur all over your skin or appear more localized. Localized paleness usually involves one limb.

You should see your doctor if you have sudden onset of generalized paleness or paleness of a limb. Anemia can be acute with a sudden onset or chronic and develop slowly. Acute anemia is usually the result of rapid blood loss from trauma, surgery, or internal bleeding, often from your stomach or intestinal tract.

Chronic anemia is common. It can be caused by a lack of iron, vitamin B, or folate in your diet. There are also genetic causes of anemia, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. In these conditions, your body makes ineffective hemoglobin.

This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Chronic anemia can also be caused by diseases such as chronic kidney failure or hypothyroidism. Certain cancers that affect your bones or bone marrow can also cause anemia due to poor production of blood cells over a period of weeks to months. Paleness in your inner eyelids is a telltale sign of anemia, regardless of race. It is also considered a sensitive indicator of severe anemia.