Skin turgor
Alternative names:
doughy skin; good skin turgor; poor skin turgor
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 health care 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 at your health care provider's office:
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.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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