What does the skin do when blanching occurs?

When blanching occurs, the skin becomes white or pale. This happens because of a temporary constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area being examined. When pressure is applied, such as during a physical examination, the normal redness of the skin fades as the capillaries are compressed, leading to a decrease in blood volume in the superficial layers of the skin. As a result, the affected area takes on a whitish appearance. Once the pressure is relieved, normal blood flow resumes, and the skin will typically return to its usual color. Understanding blanching is critical for assessing circulation and detecting potential issues such as pressure sores or vascular compromise.