pâleur

Pâleur, in medical terms pallor, is the paleness of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from reduced blood flow, decreased hemoglobin concentration, or both. It signals a potential imbalance between oxygen delivery and tissue needs. Pallor can be physiological, such as from cold, fear, or rapid standing, or pathological, indicating an underlying disease process.

Common pathological causes include iron deficiency and other anemias, acute or chronic blood loss, pregnancy-related anemia, chronic inflammatory or malignant diseases, and bone marrow disorders. Acute pallor may accompany shock, dehydration, severe infection, or intoxication. Vasoconstriction from cold or stress can contribute as well. Less commonly, pallor may be related to extensive burns or certain toxins.

Observation and assessment rely on examination of the skin and mucous membranes rather than skin color alone. Pallor is often most evident on the face, lips, nail beds, and palms, but in individuals with darker skin it may be best assessed in the conjunctivae, oral mucosa, and nail beds. Clinicians typically correlate pallor with vital signs (tachycardia, hypotension) and symptoms, and confirm suspected anemia with laboratory tests such as complete blood count and iron studies.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause rather than pallor itself. Urgent evaluation is required for pallor with signs of hemodynamic instability or suspected acute hemorrhage. In confirmed anemia, treatment may include iron supplementation, transfusion, or addressing the underlying condition. Pallor is a sign, not a diagnosis, and its interpretation depends on the clinical context.

Note: the term pâleur is the French equivalent of pallor.