What should you know about getting pale skin?
Short answer
Getting pale skin can have harmless causes, but new or persistent pallor should be assessed alongside other symptoms and your usual skin tone.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Medical term
- Pallor
- Useful observation
- Compare with your usual colour in daylight and note accompanying symptoms
What pale skin can mean
Paleness, also called pallor, may be easier to notice on the face, lips, inside the eyelids or the palms. It can occur when blood flow changes, when red blood cells or haemoglobin are low, or when skin tone changes for another reason. Tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, fast heartbeat or heavy menstrual bleeding can occur with [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/) and [Iron Deficiency Anaemia](/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/). Other possibilities include [Vitamin B12 Deficiency](/conditions/vitamin-b12-deficiency/), [Sickle Cell Disease](/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/) or [Thalassaemia](/conditions/thalassaemia/). Pale skin alone cannot identify its cause.
What to do about a change in colour
Compare the change with your normal complexion in daylight and note when it began, whether it is generalised, and any fatigue, pain, bleeding, fever or weight change. Arrange a primary-care assessment for persistent or unexplained pallor. The clinician may ask about diet, periods, medicines, family history and recent illness, then decide whether blood tests are needed. Do not start [Iron Supplementation](/treatments/medical-management/iron-supplementation/) without advice, because treatment depends on the cause and excess iron can be harmful.
When to seek care
Seek urgent help for sudden marked pallor with fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, weakness on one side, heavy bleeding or signs of shock such as cold clammy skin. Prompt assessment is also sensible when pallor follows an injury or occurs with a very fast heartbeat.
Questions for your doctor
Ask what might explain the colour change, whether you need a blood count or iron and vitamin testing, how bleeding or diet may contribute, and which symptoms should prompt earlier review.
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Does pale skin always mean anaemia?
No. Pallor has several possible explanations, and an examination or testing may be needed when it is new or persistent.
Can I take iron for pale skin?
Speak with a clinician first; iron helps iron deficiency but is not suitable for every cause of pallor.
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.