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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.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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