Pasty pale skin: what to know

Pallor may be easier to notice in the face, lips, gums, palms or inside the lower eyelids. Persistent [Pale Skin](/symptoms/pale-skin/) can occur with [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/), including [Iron Deficiency Anaemia](/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/) or [Vitamin B12 Deficiency](/conditions/vitamin-b12-deficiency/). Inherited blood conditions such as [Sickle Cell Disease](/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/) and [Thalassaemia](/conditions/thalassaemia/) can also affect appearance or cause anaemia.

Pale skin alone cannot identify the cause. Tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, headaches, palpitations, heavy bleeding, weight change or altered sensation provide useful context. Skin tone, lighting and temporary cold can change how pallor appears.

Compare the change in natural light and ask someone you trust whether it is new. Arrange a medical review if pallor persists, returns, or occurs with fatigue or bleeding. A clinician may examine your skin and eyes and arrange blood tests. Do not start [Iron Supplementation](/treatments/medical-management/iron-supplementation/) without checking whether iron deficiency is present, because treatment depends on the cause.

Seek urgent care for sudden marked pallor with fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, heavy bleeding, blue lips, or a rapid deterioration. Prompt assessment is also appropriate when pale skin follows a serious injury or occurs with severe weakness.

Ask whether you need a blood count or nutrient tests, whether bleeding or medicines could explain the change, and which symptoms should trigger urgent review. Mention diet, menstrual or other blood loss, family history and how long the pallor has been present.