Skin turgor Considerations:
Skin turgor is one of the best estimates of the state of nutrition (food) and hydration (fluids).
Skin turgor is a sign commonly used by health care workers to assess the degree of fluid loss or dehydration . Fluid loss can occur from common conditions such as diarrhea or vomiting . Infants and young children with vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased or no fluid intake can rapidly lose a significant amount of fluid.
The skin on the back of the hand, lower arm or abdomen is grasped between two fingers so that it is tented up. The skin is held for a few seconds then released. Skin with normal turgor snaps rapidly back to its normal position. Skin with decreased turgor remains elevated and returns slowly to its normal position.
Decreased skin turgor is a later sign in dehydration. It is associated with moderate to severe dehydration. Loss of 5% of the body weight is considered mild dehydration, 10% is moderate, and 15% or more is severe dehydration.
Note: Edema (accumulation of fluid in the tissues that causes swelling ) causes the skin to be extremely difficult to pinch up.
Common Causes:
Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma and Ehler's-Danlos syndrome can also affect the elasticity of the skin (this is not related to fluids, but to a change in the elastic properties of the skin tissue).
Note: There may be other causes of a change in the skin turgor. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a change in skin turgor, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
Home Care:
A quick check of skin turgor by pinching the skin over the back of the hand, on the abdomen, or over the front of the chest under the collarbone is a good way to check for dehydration at home.
Mild dehydration will cause the skin to be slow in its return to normal. Drink an increased amount of fluids.
For moderate or severe dehydration, see your health care provider immediately!
Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
- poor skin turgor accompanies vomiting , diarrhea , or fever .
- a check of skin turgor results in very slow return to normal, or the skin "tents" up. This can indicate dehydration that is severe enough to require immediate treatment.
- a person with reduced skin turgor is unable to increase his or her intake of fluids (for example, because of vomiting).
What to Expect:
A general physical examination and health history will be performed.
Medical history questions documenting skin turgor in detail may include: - How long has this been present?
- What other symptoms preceded the change in skin turgor ( vomiting , diarrhea , others)?
- What have you done to try to treat the condition?
- Did it make it better?
- Is it getting worse?
- How was the skin turgor change manifested?
- Did your infant have sunken fontanelles?
- Did the skin "tent" up when pinched?
- What other symptoms are also present (such as dry lips, decreased urine output , and decreased tearing )?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed are: Interventions:
Intravenous fluids may be necessary for severe dehydration . Medications may be necessary to treat other conditions that affect the skin turgor and elasticity.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a change in the skin turgor to your personal medical record.
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