Skin turgor
The skin turgor (associated with capillary refilling[1]) is a term used to describe the ability of the skin to restore its shape after being deformed. The dehydration reduces the skin elasticity and causes lower skin turgor, one of the signs of dehydration in humans.[2]
The skin turgor test is conducted by pinching the skin on the patient's body, in a location such as the forearm or the back of the hand, and watching to see how quickly it returns to its normal position,[3] low turgor causes the skin to "tent".[2] The skin turgor test can be unreliable in patients who have reduced skin elasticity, such as the elderly.[3]
The test results are expressed as time it takes for the skin to return back to the original shape.[4] Special tools to deflect the skin have been introduced to improve the accuracy of the skin turgor test.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Saavedra 1991, p. 296.
- ^ a b Almalki & Alshammari, p. 42.
- ^ a b Thomas J, Monaghan T (2014). Oxford Handbook of Clinical Examination and Practical Skills. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-959397-2.
- ^ a b Liu et al. 2016, p. 924.
Sources
[edit]- Almalki, T.M.A.; Alshammari, F.O. NURSING CARE IN RENAL FAILURE. JEC PUBLICATION. ISBN 978-93-6175-429-6. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- Liu, Chenbin; Tsow, Francis; Shao, Dangdang; Yang, Yuting; Iriya, Rafael; Tao, Nongjian (2016). "Skin Mechanical Properties and Hydration Measured With Mobile Phone Camera". IEEE Sensors Journal. 16 (4): 924–930. doi:10.1109/JSEN.2015.2492241. ISSN 1530-437X.
- Saavedra, Jose M. (1991-03-01). "Capillary Refilling (Skin Turgor) in the Assessment of Dehydration". Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 145 (3): 296–298. doi:10.1001/archpedi.1991.02160030064022. ISSN 1072-4710.
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