Skin, clammy

Alternative names:

clammy skin; cold sweat; sweat, cold

Definition:

Skin that is cool, moist, and usually pale.

Considerations:

Clammy skin is often an indication of an emergency situation, and the doctor should be notified immediately.

Common causes:

• shock (either hypovolemic shock, cardiogenic shock, or septic shock)
• severe pain
• anxiety attack
• heat exhaustion

Note: There may be other causes of clammy skin. 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 clammy skin, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial