If you look pale, it could be due to various reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions. Hence, it is essential to see a doctor and investigate further to find out the underlying cause.

CAUSES

Some common causes why you might appear pale include:

• Anaemia: This condition occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body, leading to a pale appearance and low Haemoglobin.

• Nutritional deficiency: Lack of iron and certain vitamins such as B12 and folate can also result in pallor.

• Blood loss: Loss of blood from an injury, surgery, internal bleeding, or heavy menstrual periods can decrease blood volume and cause pale skin.

• Infections: Severe infections that can lead to sepsis may cause you to feel unwell and appear pale.

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can result in pale, dry skin, along with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold.

• Chronic illness: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease can lead to pale skin.

• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, paleness, and shakiness.

• Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can affect blood flow and skin tone, resulting in paleness.

INVESTIGATIONS:

Here are some investigations to determine the underlying cause:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This test provides information about blood cells in your body, helping identify conditions like anaemia or ongoing infections.

• Peripheral Blood Smear

This test provides more detailed information about abnormalities detected in the CBC. It involves examining a blood sample under a microscope to assess the size, shape, and number of blood cells.

• Iron Profile

Measures iron levels, ferritin (iron-storing protein), transferrin (iron-transporting protein), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia

• Vitamin B12 and folate levels

Identifies deficiencies in B12 and folate, indicating the need for appropriate supplementation.

• Thyroid function tests

Measures levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4) to diagnose hypothyroidism.

• Kidney function tests

Assess kidney function as kidney dysfunction can affect red blood cell production.

• Liver function tests

Liver disorders can affect the production of proteins involved in blood clotting and transport of nutrients, potentially leading to anaemia.

• Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)

If there is suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding, this test is carried out to look for hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

In summary, paleness can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as anaemia, internal bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, or organ dysfunction and investigations help determine the specific cause and treatment plan. It is advisable that if your symptoms can clearly guide you as to what tests need to be done, get them and then visit your physician; otherwise please pay him / her a visit so that you can be guided regarding the investigations.