Skin, clammy

Alternative names:

clammy skin; cold sweat; sweat, cold

Home care:

For shock, the patient should lie down on the back with feet elevated about 20 degrees. Keep them warm. Either call for emergency help or take the victim to a hospital or out-patient emergency center.

For heat exhaustion, drink plenty of fluids and move to a cool, shaded environment.

Call your health care provider if:

• shortness of breath, chest discomfort or signs of shock such as confusion, diminished consciousness, weak pulse are present. If you are unable to reach your provider, call for emergency help or take the victim to a hospital.
• contact your doctor if the symptoms do not resolve quickly.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Note: If the person is hard to awaken, has difficulty breathing, or has a rapid, weak pulse this is an emergency!

Medical history questions documenting clammy skin in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • How quickly did this develop?
  • Did it develop suddenly?
  • Has it ever happened before?
• aggravating factors
  • Has there been an injury?
  • Is the person ill?
  • Are they in pain?
  • Do they seem anxious or stressed?
  • Has there been a recent exposure to high temperatures?
• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored, a cause determined, and appropriate emergency measures will be taken.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to clammy skin, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

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