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Warning-sign checks

Paleness: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if paleness appears with chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting that does not quickly resolve, confusion, cold and clammy skin, or major bleeding.

    These symptoms can indicate serious blood loss or a problem with circulation.

    Emergency assessment is also needed if a hand, foot, finger, or toe suddenly becomes pale, cold, very painful, weak, or numb.

    This may mean that blood flow to the area is blocked.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if new paleness occurs with worsening shortness of breath, repeated near-fainting, a very fast heartbeat, or unusual bleeding.

    Vomiting blood, passing a large amount of blood, or passing black, sticky stools needs urgent assessment.

    Iron tablets can also darken stools, but unexplained black, sticky stool should not be ignored.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if paleness persists, keeps returning, or comes with ongoing tiredness, headaches, reduced exercise tolerance, heavy periods, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits.

    Children should be assessed if paleness persists or occurs with poor feeding, unusual tiredness, reduced activity, or slowed growth.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Paleness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.