Unusual paleness of the skin, often indicating anemia, blood loss, shock, or poor circulation. Most easily assessed in the conjunctiva, nail beds, and palmar creases.
From Latin 'pallor' meaning 'paleness,' from 'pallere' (to be pale). The term has been used in medicine since Roman times, with physicians recognizing paleness as a sign of illness. The same root gives us 'pallid' and reflects the universal recognition of color change as a health indicator.
Pallor can be tricky to assess in people with naturally dark skin! Doctors look at the palms, nail beds, and inside of the eyelids where blood vessels are close to the surface and skin pigmentation has less effect on color perception.
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