What Causes a Pale Face?
According to Healthline, a pale face is caused by anemia, low blood sugar, arterial blockages, low blood pressure, genetics and lack of sun exposure. Blood flow is a large contributing factor to the color of a person’s skin, so if paleness is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath or feeling cold, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
Healthline explains that some people are naturally pale due to a lack of the pigment melanin in their skin. This can also be seen in a person’s fingernails, tongue and inner eyelids. Sometimes, the body becomes pale as a response to immediate fear or panic. Blood flow may also be compromised and signal oncoming frostbite if a person is exposed to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period of time.
If a person’s circulation is especially poor or an artery becomes blocked, blood flow may decrease enough that he experiences pain, numbness, tingling and paleness at the site of the blockage or in a corresponding limb. If this occurs, Healthline urges patients to seek immediate medical care to treat the situation. Depending on the root cause of skin paleness, a doctor may treat a patient with iron, folate or B12 supplements or elect to complete a blood transfusion. In the most severe cases, surgery may be required.
