Skin turgor refers to the skin’s elasticity, its ability to change shape and return to its normal state. It is a physical characteristic directly related to tissue fluid volume. When the body is properly hydrated, the skin is plump and resilient, so assessing skin turgor is a common method for quickly evaluating a person’s hydration status. The loss of this resilience can indicate a deficit in body fluids.
Performing the Skin Turgor Test
The standard method for checking skin turgor is the “pinch test.” A healthcare provider will grasp a fold of skin, lifting it up so that it is “tented.” The skin is held for a few seconds before being released. The key observation is how quickly the skin fold flattens and returns to its normal position. Skin with normal turgor will snap back rapidly.
This test is most often performed on the lower arm or the back of the hand in adults. These locations are used because the skin is relatively thin and has less underlying fat, making the elastic properties more apparent. If the skin is slow to return to its normal position, remaining elevated or tented for a few moments, it indicates poor turgor. This sluggish response suggests a loss of fluid in the tissues.
For infants and young children, the test is typically performed on a different area of the body. The skin on the abdomen or upper thigh is often used for assessment in this age group. This is because these areas are less affected by the looseness of skin that can be present elsewhere. The interpretation remains the same: a swift return indicates good hydration, while tenting points toward fluid loss.
Dehydration as the Primary Cause
The most frequent cause of poor skin turgor is dehydration. When the body loses more fluid than it takes in, the total volume of water in the body’s tissues decreases. This reduction directly affects the skin, a significant reservoir of water.
A fluid deficit reduces the interstitial fluid—the fluid that surrounds the cells in the skin’s tissues. This loss of volume causes the skin to become less plump and decreases its elastic recoil. Moderate to severe fluid loss is when poor skin turgor becomes noticeable. For instance, moderate dehydration is a fluid loss equivalent to 10% of body weight.
Several situations can lead to the dehydration that causes poor skin turgor. These include insufficient fluid intake and conditions that lead to rapid fluid loss, such as illnesses involving vomiting or diarrhea. A high fever can also accelerate fluid loss, as can excessive sweating from intense exercise or high temperatures.
Aging and Other Influences on Skin Turgor
While dehydration is a primary cause of temporary changes in skin turgor, aging can cause a persistent decrease in skin elasticity. Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins in the dermis responsible for the skin’s firmness. This gradual loss means that with age, skin will have less turgor, even when a person is well-hydrated.
This age-related change is why the skin turgor test can be less reliable for diagnosing dehydration in older adults. Their skin may show tenting due to the structural changes of aging, not necessarily because of fluid loss. A healthcare provider will consider other signs and symptoms to assess hydration in an elderly person.
Beyond aging, other conditions can affect skin turgor. Significant and rapid weight loss can leave the skin appearing loose, which may be mistaken for poor turgor. Certain rare connective tissue disorders that affect collagen and elastin production can also lead to reduced skin elasticity, independent of hydration levels. These factors are important considerations when interpreting the results of a skin turgor test.
Strategies for Improvement
When poor skin turgor is caused by dehydration, the most direct strategy is rehydration. Replenishing lost fluids will restore volume to the skin tissues and improve their elasticity. Increase fluid intake, with water being the most effective choice for simple rehydration. Consuming beverages that contain electrolytes can be helpful if dehydration is the result of intense sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Incorporating foods with high water content into your diet can also support hydration, such as melons, cucumbers, and oranges. Addressing the underlying cause of the fluid loss is also important. If an illness is causing vomiting or diarrhea, managing those symptoms is a necessary part of the rehydration process.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild dehydration can often be managed at home, it is important to know when to seek medical help. If poor skin turgor is observed alongside other signs of severe dehydration, a doctor should be consulted. These signs include dizziness, confusion, a lack of urination, or a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms are especially concerning in young children and older adults.