About pale skin

Pale skin in children and teenagers is rarely anything to worry about.

Light-skinned children can look pale in winter because they’re not getting enough sun or they’re feeling cold.

In rare cases, pale skin can be a sign of anaemia, infections, breathing issues and other underlying medical conditions.

Should your child see a doctor about pale skin?

In most cases, no. But you should take your child to the GP if your child:

• has signs of anaemia – pale skin, mouth, tongue, inner eyelids and palms
• is generally unwell or pale, doesn’t have much energy, or has a fever
• has been bruising easily and having a lot of nosebleeds
• easily gets dizzy or short of breath
• has yellow skin or eyes, darker urine or lighter poo.

You know your child best, so trust your instincts if your child doesn’t seem well. Signs that your child has a serious illness that requires urgent medical attention include severe pain, drowsiness, sudden pale or blue skin, dehydration, troubled breathing, seizures and reduced responsiveness.