Pale skin
Pale skin means skin that is lighter than usual, which may be visible over the whole body or in certain areas such as the face or hands. Pallor can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. The most common causes of pale skin in Finland include temporary reduced circulation (for example, standing up quickly or cold weather), anemia, meaning a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, and various infections in which the body responds to stress. Sometimes pallor may be associated with severe fatigue, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.
Most often, pale skin is harmless and related to temporary situations such as stress or nervousness. However, if pallor lasts a long time, recurs without a clear reason, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting tendency, or heavy bleeding, it is important to seek assessment by a healthcare professional. In children and older adults, other symptoms associated with pallor should be taken especially seriously. A professional can determine the possible underlying cause and, if needed, recommend further examinations.
Practitioners – Pale skin
Adrian Zegrea
Gastrointestinal surgery
Adrienn Pardo
Internal medicine
Aino Pirttilä
Internal medicine
Aleksei Kerro
Internal medicine
Amanda Ahonen
Nutritional therapy
Amma Antikainen
Nutritional therapy
Anette Palssa
Nutritional therapy
Anja Franssila-Kallunki
Internal medicine
Anja Suontausta
Internal medicine
Anna Altmets os. Meriläinen
Gastrointestinal surgery
Frequently asked questions
What can cause pale skin?
Pale skin can be caused, for example, by temporary changes in circulation, anemia, or an infection. If pallor is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
When is pale skin a cause for concern?
If pallor is sudden, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fainting, or severe fatigue, it is advisable to seek assessment by a professional.
Can stress or nervousness cause pallor?
Yes, stress, strong nervousness, or being startled can cause temporary pale skin. If pallor persists or other symptoms are worrying, discuss the matter with a professional.
Should pale skin in a child be a concern?
If a child’s skin is clearly pale and they have other symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, or unusual behavior, it is a good idea to contact a healthcare professional.