US Medical Term · symptoms
Pale Skin
Palidez
Also: Piel pálida (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pale Skin |
| Spanish (Español) | Palidez |
| Chinese (中文) | 皮膚蒼白 |
| Korean (한국어) | 창백한 피부 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Da nhợt nhạt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Maputlang balat |
| Portuguese (Português) | Palidez cutânea |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ผิวซีด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 蒼白 |
What it means
Pale skin refers to an abnormal lightening of the skin, often noticed on the face, lips, gums, or inner eyelids. It can signal reduced blood flow or a drop in red blood cell levels. Common causes include anemia, blood loss, shock, fright, or fainting. Chronic causes include iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and certain blood cancers. Pallor combined with fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath should be evaluated promptly. Your doctor will typically order a complete blood count to check for anemia and other blood abnormalities.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
People have been telling me I look very pale and tired.
La gente me ha dicho que me veo muy pálido y cansado.
My lips and gums look much lighter in color than usual.
Mis labios y encías se ven mucho más claros de color de lo habitual.
I feel faint and my skin looks pale when I stand up quickly.
Me siento mareado y mi piel se pone pálida cuando me levanto rápidamente.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026