What Is Blanching of Skin?
In the French language, âblancâ translates to âwhite.â Blanching
of the skin occurs when the skin becomes white or pale in appearance.
Blanching of the skin typically indicates a temporary
obstruction of blood flow. If you press gently on an area of your skin, it
likely turns lighter before resuming its natural color. However, not all
blanching of skin is temporary. Some conditions cause long-term or permanent
blanching.
What Causes Blanching of Skin?
The possible causes of blanching of skin can range from a
medical emergency to a temporary inconvenience.
Shock is a medical emergency that causes blanching of the skin,
as well as other signs and symptoms. The condition occurs when the body is not
getting enough blood or oxygen, usually due to one of the following:
significant blood losssevere traumathird-degree burnsclinical dehydrationsevere infectionan allergic reaction
Shock is a medical emergency, so itâs important to be aware of
the symptoms in addition to blanching of skin. Symptoms include:
altered breathing, such as breathing too quickly or
too slowlycool, clammy skin loss of consciousness or feeling faint nausea and vomiting mental confusionabsence of urine output
Call 911 if you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing
shock.
Several skin conditions can cause blanching of skin, including:
burned skin â can cause pigment loss dermatitis, or skin irritation â some areas of skin
are red and others are pale frostbite â the skinâs tissues become frozen, resulting
in loss of blood flowtinea versicolor â a type of fungal skin infectionpressure sores â blanching of skin indicates impaired
blood flow vitiligo â the skin has areas of smooth, white patches
A condition called Raynaudâs phenomenon or Raynaudâs disease is
also associated with blanching of skin. This condition is marked by spasmodic
constriction of the arterial blood vessels, which causes blanching of skin,
numbness, cold, and pain.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 5 percent of
Americans have Raynaudâs. The condition most commonly affects the fingers and
toes. However, some people have symptoms on their nostrils, lips, or earlobes.
Anemia (lack of red blood cells), or sudden blood loss, also
can cause blanching of skin.
What Are the Symptoms of Blanching of Skin?
Blanching of skin causes the skin to appear white or paler than
usual, depending on your skin tone. The skin may feel cool to the touch if
blood flow is affected.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one
experiences any of the following symptoms in addition to blanching of skin:
inability to breathe well or catch your breathskin burns that are severe, deep, or involve a large
areaa weak pulseloss of consciousness pale, clammy skin uncontrolled nausea and vomiting, especially
vomiting blood
How Is Blanching of Skin Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose blanching of skin by conducting a physical
examination to determine potential causes. Theyâll examine how the skin looks
around the blanched area and take your medical history to determine any
conditions that may contribute to the blanching of skin.
Blanching of skin caused by anemia, Raynaudâs disease, or shock
may be diagnosed with a blood test to determine low red blood cell levels.
How Is Blanching of Skin Treated?
Treatments for blanching of skin depend upon the underlying
cause. For example, doctors often correct anemia and shock by administering
blood products, intravenous fluids, and oxygen.
Home Care
Take care of your skin by washing regularly with antibacterial
soap and applying moisturizer to prevent skin damage. Keep the skin warm
through layering, wearing mittens or warm socks, and refraining from staying in
the cold too long.
People who are bed-bound require frequent turning to keep excess
pressure from causing bedsores. Pressure points such as the buttocks, elbows,
heels, and back of the head are vulnerable to pressure that can cause wounds
known as decubitus ulcers.
Source: http://www.healthline.com