Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Skin Turgor

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Gently pinch and lift a fold of skin — commonly over the forearm or sternum — hold it briefly, then release and watch how quickly it returns to its resting position. Reduced turgor is present when the fold returns slowly (tenting).

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 2 findings

Dehydration

Decreased skin turgor
Rule in
InconclusiveNo CI, small study
Rule out
InconclusiveNo CI, small study
Evidence:Limited

References

  • McGee S, Abernethy WB 3rd, Simel DL. The rational clinical examination. Is this patient hypovolemic? JAMA. 1999;281(11):1022-1029. doi:10.1001/jama.281.11.1022. PMID: 10086438.
  • Hooper L, Abdelhamid A, Attreed NJ, Campbell WW, Channell AM, Chassagne P, et al. Clinical symptoms, signs and tests for identification of impending and current water-loss dehydration in older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(4):CD009647. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009647.pub2. PMID: 25924806.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

DehydrationHypovolemia

Related Systems / Regions

Integumentary

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