10 Myelofibrosis Symptoms That Are Easy to Overlook

3. Pale skin

This is also caused by the decreased numbers of red blood cells. The blood running through the vessels is what gives the skin its pinkish color, and the blood appears red in color because it contains red blood cells. Red blood cells are red because they contain red subunit called heme. Heme subunits are part of the hemoglobin protein of the red blood cells. It can help in binding Iron which, in turn, helps in binding oxygen. When there are less red blood cells, the blood will contain a lesser amount of that subunit. So, the skin will appear paler.