White Skin: Causes & Reasons

Possible Causes for White Skin

People usually have very white skin and hair white or light colored. sun exposure for a long time considerably increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, including [ivami.com]

Albinism, (from the Latin albus, meaning “white”), hereditary condition characterized by the absence of pigment in the eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers. [britannica.com]

Affected individuals have white hair, brows, and lashes, and white skin at birth. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Hereditary Renal Cell Carcinoma

[…] the palms and soles of the feet Scalp blistering, scarring and hair loss (scarring alopecia) Thin-appearing skin (atrophic scarring) Tiny white skin bumps or pimples (milia [mayoclinic.org]

[…] feet scarred skin, sometimes with small white spots called milia thickened skin and nails Credit: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Types of epidermolysis bullosa The 3 main types of [nhs.uk]

[…] milia, or very small, white bumps on the skin loss of fingernails, toenails, or both, or deformity of the nails blisters or erosions of the eye excessive sweating If EB occurs [medicalnewstoday.com]

Tuberous Sclerosis

Skin lesions. One of the earliest signs of tuberous sclerosis is white skin patches on a baby’s body, called hypomelanotic macules. [childrenshospital.org]

Hypomelanotic macules/”ash-leaf spots” (M): small oval or leaf shaped patches of pale/white skin. [epilepsy.com]

[…] and renal angiomyolipomas (M): present in 70 to 90% of patients with TSC at some point in their lifetime Renal cell carcinoma: present in only 2 to 3% of patients with TSC Skin [epilepsy.com]

Hereditary Spherocytosis

If this occurs, the skin and whites of the eyes will turn yellow because the hemoglobin level will drop and the bilirubin level will rise. [cincinnatichildrens.org]

There are many causes of jaundice, and symptoms and signs include: Yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes Pale colored stools Weakness Itchy skin Loss of appetite [medicinenet.com]

This can lead to signs or symptoms of fatigue, pallor and yellow eyes / skin. [cincinnatichildrens.org]

Systemic Scleroderma

Telangiectasias (small enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin) and calcinosis (small white lumps that form under the skin) often follow. [diseases.emedtv.com]

hands, forearm, and face Hair loss Skin that is darker or lighter than normal Small white lumps of calcium beneath the skin that sometimes ooze a white substance that looks [nlm.nih.gov]

Skin signs of scleroderma may include: Fingers or toes that turn blue or white in response to cold temperatures (Raynaud phenomenon) Stiffness and tightness of skin of fingers [ufhealth.org]

Islet Cell Tumor

Signs and symptoms of a non-functional pancreatic NET: Diarrhea Indigestion A lump in the abdomen Pain in the abdomen or back Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes [uvahealth.com]

PNETs can also cause yellowing of skin and whites of eyes ( jaundice ) and may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). [hopkinsmedicine.org]

SYMPTOMS Indigestion, increased gas, diarrhea, abdominal or back pain, abdominal mass, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which is called “jaundice” or “icterus [yogavanahill.com]

Anemia

• Pale skin or nail beds. • Yellow tint to the skin or whites of the eyes. • Signs or symptoms of stroke. [triblive.com]

Other things to look for are yellow tint in the skin or whites of the eyes, and dark urine (the color of tea or coke). [ihtc.org]

Dark urine or jaundice (a yellowish tinge to the skin or the whites of the eyes) suggests that red blood cell destruction may be the cause of anemia. [merckmanuals.com]

Acquired Toxic Hemolytic Anemia

[…] that may start to yellow Shortness of breath Weakness and fatigue Chest pain Yellow skin or whites of the eyes ( jaundice ) Dark urine A feeling of abdominal fullness related [webmd.com]

Symptoms of severe or rapid destruction of red blood cells may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), fever, chest pain, fainting, heart failure, [merckmanuals.com]

The symptoms of hemolysis and the resulting anemia may include tiredness, paleness, headache, yellow tint to the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice or icterus), fast heartbeat [ihtc.org]

Neonatal Sepsis

[…] and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Signs and tests Laboratory tests can help diagnose neonatal sepsis and identify the bacteria that is causing the infection. [coordinatedhealth.com]

[…] and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Exams and Tests Lab tests can help diagnose neonatal sepsis and identify the cause of the infection. [ufhealth.org]

[…] and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Laboratory tests can help diagnose neonatal sepsis and identify the bacteria that is causing the infection. [lutheranhealthcare.org]

Fetal Erythroblastosis

[…] or the whites of the eyes Swelling of the baby’s body Purple blotches on the baby’s skin Small brown or red spots Diagnosis The precise diagnosis of erythroblastosis fetalis [medicalbite.com]

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment, and it gives the newborn’s skin and whites of the eyes a yellow appearance. If the bilirubin level gets too high, it can injure the baby. [merckmanuals.com]

Enlarged organs such as the spleen, liver, or heart Symptoms that may occur after the baby is born: Difficulty breathing Jaundice or the yellowish discoloration of the baby’s skin [medicalbite.com]

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 2

Furthermore, pebbly, white skin lesions can be seen on the upper arms, legs, and back of some individuals with Hunter syndrome. [transparencymarketresearch.com]

skin growths that resemble pebbles Joint stiffness Aggressive behavior Stunted growth Delayed development, such as late walking or talking When to see a doctor Hunter syndrome [mayoclinic.org]

People with MPS II usually have thick skin that is not very stretchy. Some affected individuals also have distinctive white skin growths that look like pebbles. [ghr.nlm.nih.gov]

Abdominal Migraine

[…] of the skin I've written more about the symptoms here - Confusing Abdominal Migraine Symptoms. [migrainesavvy.com]

Pallor: this is when the skin becomes pale or lighter than usual because of a medical problem Note: A person needs to have at least 2 or more attacks of abdominal migraine [simple.wikipedia.org]

Pallor is often accompanied by dark shadows under the eyes. In a few patients, flushing is the predominant vasomotor phenomenon. [ichd-3.org]

Aplastic Anemia

There is usually a waxy pallor, and hemorrhages occur in the mucous membranes, skin, and other organs. [britannica.com]

These are common symptoms for each: Low red blood cell count: Tiredness Shortness of breath Dizziness Pale skin Headaches Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Low white blood cell [webmd.com]

If white blood cells (specifically, neutrophils) are lacking, resistance to infection is much lowered and infection becomes the major cause of death. [britannica.com]

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Most cases have been reported in sun-exposed skin of whites. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Loss of pinpoint white dots, blue-gray dots in a speckled pattern, and a peripheral pigmented network have been described on dermoscopy of DLE in dark skin. [karger.com]

[…] patches) and skin atrophy (tissue loss) DLE is typically located on the nose, cheeks, ear lobe and concha It may involve lips, oral mucosa, nose or eyelids Scalp lesions [dermnetnz.org]

Iron Deficiency

Pallor and anemia. In: Kleigman RM, Lye PS, Bordini BJ, Toth H, Basel D, eds. Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 37. [nlm.nih.gov]

A thorough physical examination to identify features of ID and ID anemia like pallor, koilonychia, glossitis and even high output cardiac failure should be performed. [symptoma.com]

[…] of the eye Desire to eat ice or other non-food things ( pica ) Feeling lightheaded when you stand up Pale skin color Shortness of breath Sore or inflamed tongue Mouth ulcers [nlm.nih.gov]

Kernicterus

Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a type of birth injury which often results in jaundice, targeting the skin, the whites of the eyes, as well as nails, before morphing into [jrlawfirm.com]

The whites of the eyes can also look yellow. Jaundice can be harder to see in babies with darker skin color. [cdc.gov]

High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice; signs of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. [gov.uk]

Thalassemia

[…] and whites of the eyes, skin ulcers, and gallstones. [merckmanuals.com]

Other symptoms include: fussiness paleness frequent infections poor appetite failure to thrive jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) enlarged organs This [rainbowkids.com]

[…] called Cooley anemia), people have severe symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and they may also have jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin [merckmanuals.com]

Common Cold

Although it commonly affects the face, circumoral pallor is present. During recovery, the skin on the fingers and toes peels. [emedicine.com]

In addition, we dichotomized race to white and nonwhite based on the known effect of melanin on vitamin D synthesis in darker-skinned individuals. 11 We determined univariate [dx.doi.org]

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Other times, signs and symptoms include: Blood in the stool Pale skin Blue-tinted whites of the eyes Decreased appetite Fatigue and/ or weakness Irritability Shortness of [ucsfbenioffchildrens.org]

Pallor and anemia. In: Kleigman RM, Lye PS, Bordini BJ, Toth H, Basel D, eds. Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 37. [nlm.nih.gov]

[…] of the eye Desire to eat ice or other non-food things ( pica ) Feeling lightheaded when you stand up Pale skin color Shortness of breath Sore or inflamed tongue Mouth ulcers [nlm.nih.gov]

Viral Disease

These signs include: Rash Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) Microcephaly (small head) Intrauterine growth restriction (low weight) Hepatosplenomegaly [cdc.gov]

Laboratory investigation is not directly effective in detecting viral infections, because they do not themselves increase the white blood cell count. [en.wikipedia.org]

The external barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, are the first line of defense. [nativeremedies.com]

Syncope

The skin may be cold and clammy. The person drops to the floor as he or she loses consciousness. [ninds.nih.gov]

Your field of vision may "white out" or "black out." Your skin may be cold and clammy. You lose muscle control at the same time, and may fall down. [medlineplus.gov]

If an individual is about to faint, he or she will feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous and their field of vision may “white out” or “black out.” [ninds.nih.gov]

Infective Endocarditis

whites of the eyes or mouth (petechiae) Treatment Medication Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. [heartandstroke.ca]

Symptoms may include: fever chest pain weakness blood in urine chills sweating red skin rash white spots in mouth or on tongue pain and swelling in joints muscle aches and [healthline.com]

[…] painless spots on the palms of your hands and soles of feet (Janeway lesions) Painful, red bumps on the pads of the fingers and toes (Osler’s nodes) Small red spots on the skin [heartandstroke.ca]

Hypothyroidism

Infections causing intertrigo Candida albicans (thrush) Rapid development Itchy moist peeling red and white skin Small superficial papules and pustules Candida albicans Erythrasma [dermnetnz.org]

[…] they can include: Cold hands and feet Constipation Extreme sleepiness Hoarse cry Little or no growth Low muscle tone (floppy infant) Persistent jaundice (yellowing of the skin [webmd.com]

[…] and whites of the eyes) Poor feeding habits Puffy face Stomach bloating Swollen tongue Make an appointment with your health care provider if you or your baby has any of these [webmd.com]

Pancreatitis

[…] and whites of the eyes (jaundice) How is Pancreatitis Diagnosed? [medstargeorgetown.org]

[…] or whites of the eyes, called jaundice These symptoms may be a sign of serious infection inflammation blockage of the pancreas, gallbladder, or a bile and pancreatic duct [niddk.nih.gov]

[…] or whites of the eyes Recently, a family member I’ll call “Joe” suffered acute pancreatitis as a result of high triglycerides levels. [martinhealth.org]

Motion Sickness

[…] rashes or redness, application site burning; dry itchy, or reddened whites of the eyes, and eye pain. [transdermscop.com]

The development of pallor, diaphoresis, and changes in respiratory rhythm herald the onset of vomiting, which generally produces some temporary symptomatic improvement. • [medlink.com]

Abstract Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a well-known sensation in virtual environments and simulators, typically characterized by a variety of symptoms such as pallor [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Often in people known to have chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis Sometimes signs of chronic liver disease such as a swollen abdomen and yellowish discoloration of the skin [msdmanuals.com]

Slow, chronic blood loss may cause symptoms and signs of low blood count (anemia), such as weakness, easy fatigue, paleness (pallor), chest pain, and dizziness. [msdmanuals.com]

[…] and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Upper GI endoscopy Mallory-Weiss tear (a tear in the esophagus caused by vomiting) In people who vomited one or more times before they started [msdmanuals.com]

Bacterial Endocarditis

whites of the eyes or mouth (petechiae) Treatment Medication Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. [heartandstroke.ca]

Symptoms may include: fever chest pain weakness blood in urine chills sweating red skin rash white spots in mouth or on tongue pain and swelling in joints muscle aches and [healthline.com]

Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia

There is usually a waxy pallor, and hemorrhages occur in the mucous membranes, skin, and other organs. [britannica.com]

These are common symptoms for each: Low red blood cell count: Tiredness Shortness of breath Dizziness Pale skin Headaches Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Low white blood cell [webmd.com]

Low white cell count (leukopenia) causes an increased risk of infection. [gopetsamerica.com]

Pernicious Anemia

skin and hair. [sciencedaily.com]

For example, thyroid diseases, Addison's disease and vitiligo (a condition where white patches develop on skin). [patient.info]

The red cells often have a reduced life span and their increased destruction can lead to a yellow colour of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice). [familydoctor.co.nz]

Endocarditis

[…] spots on the palms and soles (Janeway lesions) Red, painful nodes in the pads of the fingers and toes (Osler's nodes) Tiny purple or red spots on the skin, whites of the [ottawaheart.ca]

[…] or on the whites of the eyes Osler’s nodes – red, tiny spots under the skin of fingers Unexplained weight loss. 5 risk factors associated with endocarditis It is rare to [belmarrahealth.com]

whites of the eyes or mouth (petechiae) Treatment Medication Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. [heartandstroke.ca]