Pale
Pale
Pale (/peɪl/), from the Latin pallidus meaning pale or colorless, is a term often used in medical contexts to describe a person's complexion or appearance. It can be indicative of various health conditions, including anemia, shock, and certain chronic diseases.
Etymology
The term "pale" originates from the Latin pallidus, which translates to pale or colorless. It entered the English language in the 14th century, primarily used to describe a person's complexion.
Medical Usage
In a medical context, being pale is often a sign of illness or distress. It can be caused by a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can occur due to various conditions such as anemia, shock, or certain chronic diseases. Pale skin can also be a symptom of fatigue, stress, and malnutrition.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This can result in a pale complexion, as the blood lacks the oxygen necessary to give the skin a healthy color.
Shock
Shock is a serious medical condition where the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can result in a pale or grayish complexion, as the lack of blood flow causes the skin to lose its color.
Chronic Diseases
Certain chronic diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, can also cause a person to appear pale. This is often due to the body's response to the disease, which can include decreased blood flow or a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Related Terms
- Pallor: A term used to describe an unhealthy pale appearance.
- Cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin that can occur when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood.
- Jaundice: A yellowing of the skin and eyes that can occur when there is too much bilirubin in the blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pale
- Wikipedia's article - Pale
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