Changes in facial hue may warn of various health problems

The recent buzz about the new movie "Maleficent" has caused many people to start dressing in green. However, if you've noticed your face looking a little green, pale or flushed lately, it may be more than just a fashion decision, the Mirror reports. 

The colors of your face can often give important information about your health. Superdrug pharmacy manager Niamh McMillan explained what it means if your face is green, yellow, red or unusually pale - and when it's time to seek medical attention. 

"If your face has a greenish tinge, it could be related to nausea, often caused by seasickness, anxiety or a viral infection. Less commonly, a blue-grey-green tinge can suggest a drop in oxygen levels and be linked to a condition known as cyanosis, which can be due to breathing difficulties or certain heart and lung conditions. While mild cases of nausea pass quickly, recurrent blue-gray-green face should be discussed with a medical professional," McMillan said. 

"If your face looks abnormally pale, it could be a sign of anemia, which means your body isn't producing enough red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness and feeling faint. Sudden paleness may also be associated with low blood pressure, dehydration or a shock reaction. Although this can sometimes be temporary, permanent cases should be checked by a medical professional," said the expert. 

"A yellow tinge to your face or eyes could be a sign of jaundice, which could indicate a liver or bile duct problem. It can be caused by conditions such as hepatitis, gallstones or by certain medications. Other symptoms of jaundice include dark urine and itching. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, as they can indicate a serious underlying condition," advises McMillan. 

"A flushed face could just be your body's natural reaction to heat, exercise or emotions such as embarrassment. However, persistent redness could mean a skin condition like rosacea or even high blood pressure. If the flushing appears suddenly along with symptoms such as sweating, palpitations or shortness of breath, it may suggest a condition such as carcinoid syndrome that requires immediate attention," he added. | BGNES