Why does a person with anemia look pale?

Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough red blood cells, the body does not get enough oxygen, which can cause a person to look pale.

The skin, gums, and nail beds may appear pale in a person with anemia because these areas are usually pink due to the blood flow carrying oxygen to them. When there is not enough oxygen in the blood, these areas can appear pale or white.