MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Skin turgor

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Skin turgor

A decrease in skin turgor is indicated when the skin (on the back of the hand for an adult or on the abdomen for a child) is pulled up for a few seconds and does not return to its original state. A decrease in skin turgor is a late sign of dehydration.

Update Date: 5/5/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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