Skin turgor
Alternative names:
doughy skin; good skin turgor; poor skin turgor
Definition:
Abnormal skin elasticity (ability to change shape and return to normal). Skin turgor is the skin's degree of resistance to deformation and is determined by various factors such as the amount of fluids in the body (hydration) and age.
Considerations:
Skin turgor is one of the best estimates of the state of hydration (fluids) and, to a lesser extent, nutrition.
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. Fever accelerates this process.
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.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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